Darrell L. Knop, 80, a lifelong resident of rural Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2018, at Allen Place in Atlantic.

Darrell Lee was born on February 24, 1938, in Atlantic, Iowa, the son of Ralph William and Rowena Mae (Harris) Knop. He attended a one room schoolhouse at Brushy Point, often riding his pony or bike. He was the only student in his grade so he was able to get his class work done early and take the rest of the day to read which he continued to enjoy. In addition to daily chores, one of his first jobs on the farm was to deliver water by pony to the threshers in crocks wrapped in wet burlap to keep it cool. He valued working alongside his dad, learning both farming and the art of kindness and from his mother, how to be a peacemaker. Growing up with the Harris family was a big part of his childhood and made for a close bond and lifelong relationship with them. It wasn’t all work growing up, as Darrell rarely missed a Saturday night roller skating at the local rink with his cousin, Delbert Miller. Darrell graduated from Atlantic High School in 1956 and attended Iowa State University.

On September 20, 1958, he was united in marriage to Sidney Louise Martin at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic. Their relationship began with a city girl asking a farm boy in homeroom for a ride in his new 1955 blue and white Chevy. No matter the occasion whether it was his own wedding or even the birth of their sons, Darren and Bradley, timing was crucial - as it often happened around chore time. They initially made their home and farmed three miles south on Olive Street until 1970 when they moved to the home place east of Atlantic, carrying on the traditions of three generations of his family before him. Darrell is remembered as always steady, calm and taking time to think through his decisions.

He continued their pioneer spirit of stewarding the soil adopting minimum till farming and later no-till farming. He added soybeans into the rotation and found it to be a good fit. Soon Darrell Both, a neighbor and friend, joined him sharing machinery, work, and their right-hand man Jerry D. Jensen.

When work was done it was done. Darrell always made time for his family; after the boys had moved away, “Sid Time”. Darrell was one whose actions spoke louder than any word he uttered. When help was needed you could count on him being there. In 2003, he retired from the day to day duties of a farmer, but that love of what he did for his entire life was always with him.

The couple looked forward to attending dances, activities, and events. They never shied away from taking each other’s hands and dancing to a favorite song. Prior to Darrell marrying, he had visited all the continental United States. During their marriage the couple enjoyed excursions to Europe, Australia, Alaska, Hawaii and various islands. One of his favorites being a sailing trip in a small sailboat from Florida to Mexico. No matter where his travels took him, he loved returning to his home.

He felt it was important to be active outside of the farm in the community serving on the boards of the Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, Atlantic Golf and Country Club, Elks, and the Cass County Fairgrounds Grounds Committee. He was a founding member of the Cass County Cattlemen’s Association. In all the work he did for his community one of his proudest moments was being one of five who initiated the building of the Cass County Community Building.

Darrell is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sidney “Sid” Knop; two sons, Darren (Shelley) Knop of Oregon City, OR, and Brad (Mimi) Knop of Petaluma, CA; and grandchildren, Jaedon Ann Louise, Nikolai Zatuchni, Everett William, Atticus Martin, and Osgar Laird.

He is preceded in death by parents, Ralph (1993) and Rowena (1977) Knop; brother, Roger Knop (2001); parents-in-law, Judge R. Kent (1978) and Dorothy O’D Martin (1984); and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janet (1993) and Sam Collins (2017).

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., July 3, 2018, at the Atlantic Golf and Country Club. A burial will be held prior to the gathering at 2:00 p.m. at the Atlantic Cemetery, with Reverend Rachelle McCalla of the First United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic officiating.

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation to the Cass County Memorial Hospital Foundation or Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Iowa, Atlantic Chapter.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Darrell’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com