Joseph Kneip

Joseph Kneip

Joseph Kneip of Twin Valley, MN, died Monday, July 16, 2018 at Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley. Joseph Peter Kneip was born to John and Margaret (Beitz) Kneip on December 22, 1915 in Greenfield, IA. As a young child, his family moved to North Dakota where they lived around the Hillsboro and Reynolds area. They later moved to Ada, MN and he spent his teenage years working for area farmers and mechanics. In 1941, Joe entered the United States Army proudly serving on the front lines during WWII. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, Joe returned home to Ada. He worked for a time in South Dakota, as well as a mechanic for Larson Motor Company in Ada. On June 29, 1948, Joe was united in marriage to Frances Honek, and the couple was blessed with six children over the next several years. In 1951, Joe began his career with the Dilworth School District. For the next 36 years, Joe served as custodian and bus driver for the school. As the only bus driver for the district, Joe not only brought kids to and from school but also transported for all the sporting events. Due to his accent, the students affectionately referred to Joe as "Tunder" which was a nickname he carried for many years. After making their home in Dilworth for nearly 50 years, Joe and Frances moved to the Normandy Apartments in Twin Valley to be closer to family. Shortly after Frances passed away in 2014, Joe entered the Twin Valley Living Center. His last days were spent surrounded by loving family and precious memories as Joe passed away peacefully on Monday, July 16, at the age of 102. A man who truly loved his family and loved to work is how Joe will be remembered. He was always tinkering with, fixing on, or creating a project. He had the mind of an engineer and could make almost anything out of what seemed like nothing. Because he liked to be busy, and with six young mouths to feed, Joe worked overtime and odd jobs as often as he could. Never having much, but always putting the needs of his family first, Joe provided a warm home, warm food, and much love to his wife and children. As his family grew with the addition of grandchildren, Joe's heart grew even bigger. In his retirement, he refined his woodworking skills making doll houses, baby doll cribs, and various other wood projects for his grandchildren. Joe also enjoyed gardening and gave all his produce away to neighbors. Joe was a member of St William Catholic Church in Twin Valley, and dutifully mowed both the church yard and cemetery for many years. He especially cherished time to sit and chat with family and friends, his gift to gab and his wonderful stories will be greatly missed. Joe is survived by four sons: David (Paula) of West Fargo, ND, Steven (Karla) of Dent, MN, Mark of Glyndon, MN, and Jeff (Ann) of Columbia, MO; two daughters, Margaret (Phillip) Peterick of Twin Valley, and Judy (Mark) Bryan of Fargo, ND; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Braunschweig; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frances; and ten siblings: Margaret Olson, Agnes Ackerman, Cecelia Adams, Gertrude Cirks, Eileen Braunschweig, Leonard Kneip, Monica Kappes, Veronica Bromenschenkel, Rosenna Lindbeck, and Johnny Kneip. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 20, 2018 in St. William Catholic Church, Twin Valley. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 PM, at the church on Thursday, July 19, 2018. Visitation will also be one hour before the funeral at the church on Friday. Services entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home of Twin Valley, MN. Online guestbook and video tribute at www.andersonfamilyfh.com