Calvin Knop

Calvin Frederick Knop, 93, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, September 30, 2018, at his home.

Calvin was born on October 16, 1924, to Otto and Lena (Martens) Knop on the family farm. He would spend his childhood and teenage years helping out on the farm. He graduated from the Atlantic High School in 1942.

Following graduation, he began farming on the family farm with his father. It is here that he would spend all but four years of his life living and working.

He was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Masteller on November 10, 1946, by Rev. A. Howard Lindquist at the First Presbyterian Church. They would live on the family’s Century Farm for 67 years. This marriage would celebrate 70 years together prior to Mary Ellen’s death in May 2017.

Calvin’s love for agriculture and livestock were evident throughout his life. He was a diversified farmer balancing livestock, row crops and hay. His herd of registered Hereford cattle were his pride and joy. He had a keen eye for selecting quality herd bulls that were used among his well selected cow herd. Many showring champions emerged from this herd over the years. He was always proud of the fact that he and his children would exhibit his home-grown registered Herefords.

In addition, he fed cattle and feeder pigs. He had a farrow to finish hog operation for many years. The biggest surprise to his livestock years was when feeder lambs replaced cattle in the feedlots. This was an interesting time of transition for this cattleman.

He was an excellent steward of the land, utilizing soil conservation, terracing, tiling and crop rotation as a means of preserving the precious soil that would provide for his family. This care of the land resulted in the reception of the Izaak Waltan League of America Windbreak Award . In addition, he was included in the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Following his official retirement from farming, he continued to help his son. This brought him great joy to see the family farm continue into the next generation. He and his beloved dogs Lady and Freckles could be seen running many errands in the pickup over the years.

In his retirement years, he planted a large vegetable garden that included tomatoes, onions and potatoes. He and his wife would enjoy many quarts of tomato juice and other products from the garden.

Daylily plants would dominate his retirement years. What began as a single row of Daylily plants along the highway would eventually turn into multiple flower beds that were home to over 850 Daylily plants. He and his wife would devote many hours to the Daylilies. Once established and as interest grew, he began to offer some of them for sale every year. They hosted several garden tours from groups throughout southwest Iowa. These efforts have allowed many people to enjoy their beautiful display of colorful blooms every summer.

Calvin was a lifetime member of the First United Presbyterian Church. He was ordained as an elder at a young age. During his teenage years he was involved with and served as a leader in the area-wide Presbytery Youth Group.

He was a 4-H volunteer for many years especially helping out during the Cass County Fair. In addition, he served on the Fair Board for several years. He and his wife were named honorary 4-H members by the Cass County 4-H Youth Council.

He was active in both the Iowa Hereford Association and the American Hereford Association. He supported and participated in Hereford tours in southwest Iowa and throughout the state. Many lifetime friendships were established through his involvement with Hereford cattle.

He became actively involved in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks serving the local lodge as Exalted Ruler. This led to serving as Vice-President SW Iowa, President of the Iowa Elks Association in 1979, Past State President, and District Deputy of the Grand Exalted Ruler. His travels across the state led to many friendships that would last through the years. During his time as state president he led a special project emphasis for Camp Sunnyside that continued well into the future.

Calvin is survived by his three children: Fred (Janine) Knop of Atlantic, IA, Kay (Chuck) Ogren of Marcus, IA, and Sandra Knop of Atlantic, IA; grandchildren, Brittney (Adam) Roorda, Louise (JB) Brighton, Celeste (Adrian) Richardson, and Garrett (Abbi) Ogren; great-grandchildren, Claire and Nathan Roorda, Jocelyn and Roman Richardson; brother, Cecil Knop of Tucson, AZ, sisters-in-law, Barbara Wollenhaupt and Rosie Masteller both of Atlantic, IA; several nieces and nephews; and special family friend Deb Sonntag.

Calvin was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen; infant twin son, Roderick Knop; his parents, Otto and Lena Knop; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Curtis W. and Elsie Masteller; brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Marie Knop; sister-in-law, Virginia Knop; brother-in-law, Curtis C. Masteller, and brother-in-law, Gerald Wollenhaupt.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 6, 2018, at the First United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic. Visitation will take place during the luncheon at the church following the memorial service.