Obituary

Merrill's obit followed by Nancy's

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Merrill Millard Knapp, who passed away peacefully at home on the family farm in Hawkeye, Iowa, on February 28, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born on January 13, 1938, in Eldorado, Iowa, to Millard and Mathilda Knapp and spent his life dedicated to his family, his work, and the land he cherished.

Merrill graduated from West Union High School in 1956, where he built lifelong friendships and developed the skills and values that would shape his hardworking and adventurous life. He was a gifted athlete and competitor, earning recognition for his achievements in wrestling—a passion that later led to his induction into the Wrestling Hall of Fame.

On October 1, 1960, Merrill married the love of his life, Nancy Lee Mann, at the Alpha Methodist Church. Together, they built a life filled with love, hard work, and devotion to family. They were blessed with four sons: Michael, Craig, Brett, and Jason, all of whom inherited their father’s strong work ethic, adventurous spirit, and remarkable mechanical intuition. Just like their dad, they have a natural ability to fix anything, a skill learned from years spent watching and working alongside him.

Merrill was a man of many talents, with a passion for both mechanics and farming. He worked as a skilled mechanic, fixing engines with precision and care, and dedicated countless hours to working on the family farm. He had an amazing ability to solve problems and repair anything—whether it was a stubborn engine, a piece of broken equipment, or a household repair, he always found a way to make it work. His hands were never idle, and his resourcefulness was admired by all who knew him.

Beyond his work, Merrill had a deep love for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, finding peace and excitement in nature. Whether tracking game through the fields, casting a line in his favorite fishing spot, or sharing stories of past adventures, he found great joy in the simplicity and thrill of the hunt. The outdoors wasn’t just a pastime for him—it was a way of life, one he shared with his family and friends.

Merrill was also known for his love of speed. A legendary race car driver, he was best known for driving the #10 race car, thrilling fans with his skill and fearless determination on the track. His success and impact on the racing world earned him a place in the Racing Hall of Fame, a testament to his talent, dedication, and passion for the sport. Whether behind the wheel or under the hood, racing was more than a hobby—it was a lifelong pursuit that showcased his competitive spirit and mechanical expertise.

Above all, Merrill cherished his family. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Courtney Schultz & Santania Bodensteiner; Kayla Ney & Sabrina Knapp; Shawn & Cody Knapp. He was a loving great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren: Taelynn & Colben Ney; Brody, Bentley, & Brooklynn Bodensteiner; Ashley Henry, Drake & Quentin Schultz, each of whom brought him endless joy.

Merrill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy, his parents, Millard and Mathilda Knapp, his sister, Laverle, and his brothers-in-law, Len West, Darrell Dake, and Maurice Manson.

He is survived by his brother, Larry (Carol) Knapp; his sisters, Kay West and Patsy (Larry) Maxson; his sons, Michael in Cedar Rapids; Craig (Jackie), in Hawkeye, Brett (Shari) in Waukon, and Jason (Tracie) in Cedar Rapids; as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many cherished family members and friends who will forever hold his memory in their hearts.

A Celebration of Merrill's Life will be held from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the Hawkeye Community Hall. Burial will follow at the West Union Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to 17898 250th St, Hawkeye, IA 52147.

While we grieve his passing, we also celebrate a life well lived—a man who worked hard, raced fast, hunted well, and could fix anything. His legacy lives on through his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who carry forward his wisdom, his skill, and his unshakable determination. May he rest in peace, forever at home and forever in the hearts of those who knew him.