Wilber Kniep

Wilber Heinrich Friedrich Kniep was born to Carl August and Anna (Ottemann) Kniep on November 30, 1920 at Byron, Nebraska. He entered eternal rest on May 17, 2015 at age 94.

Wilber grew up in a Christian home and was a lifetime active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed.

He attended rural school District 88 through 8 ^th grade, and then began farming with his father. He truly loved the land and life of a farmer.

On February 24, 1946 Wilber was united in marriage with Leora Heitmann. They made their home on a farm northwest of Byron. To this union were born five children Curtis, Maurice, Verona, Douglas and Kenneth. His family brought him much joy and he was always a loving and kind father.

Over the years Wilber served on various boards and committees for the community and church, and was always willing to help neighbors or anyone in need. He had a special love for music, especially hymns, and enjoyed singing in the choir and cantatas for many years.

In retirement he enjoyed helping Douglas on the farm, working in the yard, tending the lawn and raising flowers. His favorite pastime was a good baseball game. He was blessed with remarkable memory of the past.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Curtis in 1958, grandson Zachary Anderson in 2006, two brothers, LaVern and infant, Raymond.

Wilber is survived by his wife of 69 years Leora; sons: Maurice (Connie) of Lincoln; Douglas of Byron; Ken (Rhea) of Hebron; daughter, Verona (Steve) Anderson of Hastings; grandchildren: Dr. Joel Kniep (Dr. Yuanting Zhang) of Denver, CO; Dr. Jay Kniep of San Francisco, CA; Justin Kniep J.D. (Heather) of Chandler, AZ; Dr. Lindsay Anderson Seim (Dr. Jackson) of Elkhorn, NE; Nicholas Burkhardt of Lincoln; Jacob Kniep of Hebron; great-grandchildren: Jillian Kniep, Deacon Seim and Claire Kniep; brother, Rev. Loren (Margaret Anne) Kniep of Ault, CO; sister, Luetta Wenske of Byron; special family friend (former exchange student from Germany) Daniel Schmitz.

Visitation will be Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM & Thursday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM at Price Funeral Home, Hebron, Nebraska.