Hometown: Maquoketa, Iowa June 07, 1935 - February 26, 2015

Ralph W. Knickrehm, 79, of Maquoketa died Thursday, February 26, 2015 at Mercy Healthcare Center in Dubuque. Ralph William Knickrehm was born on June 7, 1935 in Walcott, Iowa to John and Frances (Geurink) Knickrehm. He was a 1953 graduate of St. Ambrose Academy in Davenport and attended St. Ambrose College. He also served in the Naval Reserves. On May 7, 1955 he married Loretta Jeanne Hiebing. She died on May 17, 2004. On April 25, 2009 he married Donna Jean Grothus at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. Ralph's life work was in transportation. He owned and operated Eight K Enterprises from 1982 to 1989. He owned and operated Knickrehm Logistics from 1990 to 2007. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa where he served many terms on the Parish financial committee. At the time of his death he was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Long Grove. As a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Davenport he was active in coaching youth football through the Rising Knights program. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Lion's club and Maquoketa Country Club. He had a passion for playing Euchre and golf. Friends and family may call on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lahey Funeral home in Maquoketa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Long Grove with visitation one hour before Mass. Burial will be at Mt Calvary Cemetery in Davenport. He is survived by his wife, Donna Jean Knickrehm, and children Craig (Kathy) Knickrehm, Omaha, NE, Patrick (Cindy) Knickrehm of Centerville, OH, Teresa (Michael) Stewart Minnetonka, MN, Doug (Laurie) Knickrehm Maquoketa, Carole (Kevin) Schmidt of Maquoketa, Marianne Davidson Waterford, WI, Kathy (Bob) Hines of Lewiston, MN, and Anne (Philip) Gray-LeCoz Begnins, Switzerland. He was the proud grandfather of 21 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Marie Bruhn, of Davenport. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Al, Ed, Bob, and John Knickrehm, sister, Nelda Lovewell and infant son Joseph John. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County.