Helen (Irvine) Knepper
1913-2012
Perry, Iowa

Helen (Irvine) Knepper, formerly of Tarkio, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa. She was 98 years old. She was a homemaker, a supportive wife and mother, an active church member, a gardener, and a lover of roses. Helen and her late husband, V. Laurence Knepper, both lived in Atchison County in their childhood and youth. Helen Louise Irvine was born Nov. 8, 1913, on her parents’ farm near Fairfax. She was the daughter of Hamilton A. and Maude (McElroy) Irvine. At Daleview High School Helen played guard for 4 years on the girls’ basketball team. She also ran track and did dramatic readings. She graduated from Daleview in 1931 with academic honors. Helen and Laurence were married Nov. 25, 1937, in Tarkio in a pastor’s home. Their son, John Irvine Knepper, was born in 1940, and their daughter, Kathryn Elaine Knepper, was born in 1944.

The young couple made their first home in Sikeston, Missouri, where Laurence was teaching high school science. From Sikeston they moved to Webster Groves, Missouri, for another teaching job. When Laurence served in the Navy in 1944-45, Helen and the two children lived with Laurence’s father, J. W. Knepper, on the Knepper farm east of Tarkio in the York community. After the War, the family lived for a few years in Lincoln, Nebraska. When J.W.’s health began to fail, Helen and Laurence moved their family back to the Knepper farm, which thereafter was managed by Laurence. Helen, Laurence, and their children lived on the farm from April, 1950, until August, 1959. During that time Helen was a project leader in the York 4-H club. Also during those years Helen taught Sunday School for young children at York Presbyterian Church. In their last years on the farm, Laurence supplemented their income by teaching in Rock Port. Then in August, 1959, the couple left farm life so that Laurence’s only work would be in teaching and guidance counseling, which he did until 1976 in St. Louis suburban school districts. When Laurence retired, he and Helen moved back to northwest Missouri. Putting their furniture in storage, they lived in a rented house while Laurence and Francis (Spud) Irvine (Helen’s brother from Fairfax) built a house for Helen and Laurence on Elm Street between Tarkio High School and Tarkio College. Having been active in Presbyterian Churches most of their married life, Helen and Laurence joined the Presbyterian Church in Tarkio. Helen maintained her membership there until her death.

Widowed in 1999, Helen moved from Tarkio to Perry, Iowa, in 2003 to live near her daughter. For almost 8 years she lived independently in an apartment in a retirement community in Perry. In July, 2011, her health began to fail and she moved to a nursing home in Perry. She lived her last 6 days in Mercy Hospice, Johnston, Iowa.

Helen was preceded in death by 3 half-brothers, 5 brothers, 2 sisters, her husband, V. Laurence Knepper, and her son-in-law, Melvin B. Roblee.

Helen is survived by her son Irvine Knepper and wife, Charlotte, of Conroe, Texas; and daughter Kathryn Roblee of Perry, Iowa; granddaughters: Melinda Fischer and husband, Chris, of Lawrence, Kansas; Michelle Robenalt and husband, John, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Christine Brewood and husband, Todd, of Olathe, Kansas; grandsons: Jefferson Knepper Roblee and Lincoln Knepper Roblee, both of Kansas City, Missouri; and great grandchildren: Katherine and Emily Fischer; Charlie and Liam Robenalt; and Briana and Nathan Brewood. Helen is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Relatives in Rock Port are Janis Irvine; Steve Irvine and wife, Kitty; and James D. Irvine and wife, Johny. Tarkio relatives are Teresa Smith and husband, Bill; Mary Lou Knepper; and Margaret Irvine.

Memorial Service: 11:30 A.M., Saturday, February 18, 2012, Tarkio Presbyterian Church, Tarkio.
Inurnment: Home Cemetery, Tarkio.
The family will receive friends 11:00-11:20 A.M., Saturday, February 18, 2012, at Tarkio Presbyterian Church, prior to the service.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Tarkio Presbyterian Church or Mercy Hospice of Johnston, 5820 Winwood Drive, Johnston, Iowa, 50131.
Online obituaries and condolences at www.minterfuneralchapels.com
Services: Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio.