[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 195 (Wednesday, November 19, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S8231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING WILLIAM C. ``BILL'' KNAPP

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to a remarkable 
business and civic leader from my home State who passed away peacefully 
at age 99 surrounded by his beloved family members.
  A World War II veteran, William C. Knapp is an American patriot who 
piloted landing craft amidst kamikaze attacks during the Battle of 
Okinawa in the Pacific Theater, one of the bloodiest battles of World 
War II. A member of the ``Greatest Generation,'' he enlisted in the 
U.S. Navy at age 17, a bold decision that underscored how he would 
pursue entrepreneurial endeavors for the rest of his life, fueled by 
humble beginnings, his own ``gut check,'' and strong farm kid work 
ethic.
  Bill's zest for life was shaped by his wartime experience, surviving 
fierce fighting during the largest amphibian landing of the Pacific 
theater with heavy death tolls on both sides. The experience left an 
indelible imprint in his mind and on his heart, compelling him time and 
again to pay it forward for his fellow veterans. Two decades ago, Bill 
donated land for the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, providing 
sacred ground for tens of thousands of burials for Iowa veterans. On 
Friday, November 21, Bill will be laid to rest with full military 
honors among other Iowa hometown heroes on the land he donated to honor 
veterans for generations to come.
  Bill's donation of prime real estate is but one example of his 
generosity and commitment to share his blessings and make a difference. 
A decades-long philanthropist, Bill underwrote the cost of a Central 
Iowa Honor Flight to ensure aging Iowa veterans were able to travel to 
Washington, DC, to see the World War II Memorial built for their 
service and sacrifice.
  Bill leaves behind an iconic footprint on Iowa's landscape, from the 
skyline of Des Moines to the celebrated Iowa State Fair. With his 
business acumen and leadership prowess, Bill founded Knapp Properties 
and scaled Iowa Realty into a financial juggernaut that fueled 
transformative projects in our State capital.
  Although Bill and I were on opposite sides of the political spectrum, 
we are both Iowa farm kids who worked hard to make Iowa a better place 
to live, build a business, raise a family and earn a good living. 
Partisanship didn't spoil our mutual love for Iowa or stop us from 
working to improve the lives and livelihoods of our neighbors. I am 
flattered he even supported me a time or two over the course of my 
political career.
  Bill and I shared a special fondness for the Iowa State Fair. He kept 
up a larger-than-life tradition every year and parked a big camper at 
the State fairgrounds for all 10 days, hosting people in the political 
realm and meeting with Iowans from across the State. As always, his 
generosity followed his heart. Over the years, he opened his wallet 
generously and spearheaded fundraising efforts to help make our state 
fair among the very best in the Nation. Bill contributed to many 
charitable organizations and institutions, from childcare centers to 
affordable housing and human services, as well as impactful 
contributions to Drake University in Des Moines.
  Good leaders tend to dream big and those who surround themselves with 
the best and brightest are able to turn those dreams into reality. Bill 
was one of those rare people in this world who never met a stranger. 
From the hotel valet to the electrician to those who helped run his 
businesses, Bill's kindness, optimism, and work ethic inspired others 
to ``make things happen'' and be like Bill, no matter which rung of the 
economic ladder you occupied. His lifetime of service and good works 
was recognized in 2011 when Bill was presented with the Iowa Award, 
becoming the 21st person to receive our State's highest citizen honor.
  Barbara and I share our condolences to Bill's wife Susan and members 
of the Knapp family. For nearly a century, Bill led a full life, lived 
with virtue and purpose. May his memory be a blessing, and may his 
loved ones take comfort that his legacy will endure for generations yet 
to come.

                          ____________________