Leora Katherine Kniep

Leora Katherine (Heitmann) Kniep, 99, passed away August 30, 2022. Leora was born August 3, 1923 to Fred and Louise (Hellmer) Heitmann at Byron, NE. She was Baptized August 19 ^th , 1923 by Pastor L. C. Lentz. Attended rural school District 61 (Cracker Box) through 8 ^th grade. Attended Sunday School, Bible and Confirmation classes at St. Paul Lutheran Church at Byron, NE.  Leora was confirmed by Pastor Fred Schardt on February 7, 1937. Leora grew up on a farm east of Byron working together with her parents, brother Orvil, sisters Ruby and Alice. Leora was a long time member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in the rural Byron area.

Over the years Leora worked at Mitchell Grocery Store in Byron and Korner Kafe. Leora loved to sew and quilt. Quilted at Church and Senior Center, sewed many blankets for Lutheran World Relief. She was a member of Busy Bees Extension Club, an active member of WELCA, taught Sunday School, sang in mixed choir and cantatas. Leora enjoyed her flower garden and large vegetable garden. Her family enjoyed canned fruits and vegetables every year from her efforts in the garden.

The greatest Love in her life was her Church, her Husband Wilber, being a full time wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother. Leora married Wilber Kniep on February 24, 1946. To this union 5 children were born: Curtis, Maurice, Verona, Douglas, and Kenneth.  Some of Leora’s favorite hymns include: “Jesus Lead The Way”, “How Great Thou Art”, “Abide With Me”.

Leora was preceded in death by parents Fred and Louise Heitmann, son Curtis (11 years old), grandson Zachary Anderson (21 years old), brother Orvil Heitmann, and husband Wilber Kniep. Survivors include children Maurice (Connie) Kniep of Lincoln, Verona (Steve) Anderson of Hastings, Douglas Kniep of Byron, Kenneth (Rhea) Kniep of Lincoln; Grandchildren / Great-Grandchildren Joel (Yuanting) Kniep & Jillian of Englewood, CO, Jay Kniep of San Jose, CA, Justin (Heather) Kniep & Claire and Miles of Chandler, AZ, Lindsay (Jackson) Seim & Deacon and Bowen of Elkhorn, NE, Nicholas (Mattie) Burkhardt & Beck of Lincoln, Jacob Kniep of Phoenix, AZ; Sisters:  Ruby Eggers of Hebron, Alice Eggers of Ruskin; Sisters-in-Law: Luetta Wenske of Byron,  Margaret Anne Kniep of Imperial, NE; and many relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 6, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Price Funeral Home in Hebron.  Funeral services will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Byron, Nebraska, on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Keith Brozek officiating.  Organist will be Crystal Krenke.  Interment at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Byron.   Price Funeral Home of Hebron is assisting the family with arrangements. www.priceurbauerahrendts.com .