Harold W. Knapp

Harold Wesley Knapp, 77, passed away Monday afternoon, July 13, 2015, at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

A time of remembrances and the internment for Harold will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16 at the Newton Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials have been designated to his family, in Harold’s name. Visitation with the family will be from noon to 1:15 p.m. at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton, prior to the graveside services.

Harold “Wes” Knapp, the son of William Harold and Emma Viola (Fortner) Knapp, was born May 5, 1938, in Newton, and attended the Newton schools. Wes had served his country with the United States Army, 47th Inf., Fort Carson, Colo., in 1958.

On Aug. 5, 1956, Harold was united in marriage with Elaine Maebelle Newell in Newton. They were formerly of Carlyle, Ill., and he was a land developer there. They were also longtime residents of the Newton area, where he farmed east of Newton. Harold devoted his life to his family and friends, and was a member of the Newton V.F.W. Post #1655, Newton Elks Club, Newton Moose Lodge and Izaak Walton Ledge.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife Elaine in 2004. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Those left to honor Harold's memory include his daughters, Teresa Holton-Holmes (Harry), Deb Knapp and Dr. Connie Ertl (Mike), all of Newton; his seven grandchildren; his special friend Helen Whitinger; a brother Jimmie Knapp (Phylliss) of Las Vegas, Nev.; and his many friends. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.pencefh.com.