Obituaries : Byron Edward Knupp

VINTON – Byron Edward Knupp, 79, died Wednesday, December 9, 2015, at Sunnycrest Nursing Center in Dysart. Per Byron’s wishes, his body has been cremated.

Memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm Wednesday, December 16, 2015, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton, followed by a memorial service at 7:00 pm, officiated by Ray Rardin, PGP. Masonic rites will be performed by Gary Smith, PGP. Ray and Gary are from Byron’s Eastern Star Grand Family. Inurnment services will be held at a later date.

Byron was born November 8, 1936, in Vinton, Iowa, the son of Howard and Charlotte Hanson Knupp. In 1955, he was a member of the first graduating class of the new Washington High School in Vinton.

Byron proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was a member of George G. Luckey American Legion Post 57 of Vinton.

On June 7, 1959, Byron was united in marriage with Mary Ellen Bails in Stanwood, Iowa.

He worked most recently as a locksmith, but had been a farmer and an insurance agent for Knupp Insurance Agency. He had also worked at Vinton Seed, Farm Service and with Central Iowa Security.

Byron was a Mason for over 50 years, belonging to Lodges in both Vinton and Shellsburg. He was also a 50 year member of the Eastern Star and served as Grand Officer in 2004. He was a 50 year member of White Shine and a Past Grand Royal Patron of Amaranth from 1994 to 1995.

Byron is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary, of Vinton; two sons: Edward (Shalar) Knupp of Bettendorf and Daniel Knupp of Vinton; one daughter, Ellen Knupp of Urbana; one brother, Norman (Sandra) Knupp of San Diego, CA; 3 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Howard Thomas Knupp; and one sister, Glenys Knupp.

A memorial fund has been established for Eastern Star charities.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home is caring for Byron and his family. Condolences may be left at vsrfh.com.