Ronald Jay Knepper

Ronald Jay Knepper, 81, Faithful man of God, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather

Ronald Jay Knepper of Leola, Pa, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 27, 2026, at the age of 81. He was born in Newton, New Jersey to the late Miles and Emily Knepper on September 14, 1944. Ron grew up in the small town of Kingwood in Somerset County, Pa.

He spent his early years in his dad’s welding shop, forming his career as a welder and fabricator. Ron grew up in a very musical family. He sang in several male quartets, choruses, and choirs.

Ron graduated from Rockwood Area High School in 1962. At the age of 21, he joined the 1W Service at Lancaster General Hospital where he spent 2 years as a pharmacy aide. It was there that he met his future bride, Cheryl.

Ron developed skills to operate CAD software and became a senior mechanical designer for Goodhart Sons, Inc for 21 years. He later worked and retired from GSM Industrial after another 25 years of service.

Ron was a member of Grace Church Lititz where he was a member of the choir, served as a deacon and greeter. He was passionate about his church and its teachings. He believed strongly in his Christian faith and service to the community.

In 2019, he was introduced to Blessings of Hope. He had the opportunity to apply his metal working skills once again to upgrade their facilities and regularly serve that organization, helping its volunteers process food.

Ron enjoyed working on projects in his own metal working shop, helping friends, family, and neighbors. He had a passion to continue his father’s work with improvements to the “Knepper Tractor” legacy. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors going deer hunting with his sons, as well as meticulously caring for his property. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Cheryl A (Herr) Knepper and their children- Craig (Barby), Curt (Julie), Chad (Jennifer), and Chris (Erin). Sister- Phyllis Koshewitz Vogel (Doug), Brothers- Paul (Grace), Robert (Mary), and Lee (Brenda). 13 Grandchildren- Julia (Ethan) Hayward, Kyle (Emma), Jenna (Luke) Bennet, Marissa, Leah (Ben) Kosko, Colin, Lydia, Luke, Liam, Levi, Reece, Cora, and Hannah. 4 Great-grandchildren- Leon & Loretta Hayward, Mabel Kosko, and Jack Miles Knepper. Preceded in death by nephew Dean Knepper, niece Ronda Koshewitz, and brother-in-law Robert Koshewitz.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Ron’s funeral service at Grace Church, 501 West Lincoln Avenue, Lititz PA 17543, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM. There will be a time of viewing and visitation with the family from 9:00 AM until the time of service. There will be an additional time of viewing and visitation with the family on Friday evening, at the church from 4:00-6:00 PM. Interment will be in Millport Mennonite Cemetery, Leola at 2:00 PM. Those desiring may send memorial contributions in Ron’s memory to Grace Church, 501 West Lincoln Avenue, Lititz PA 17543 or to Blessings of Hope, P.O. Box 567, Ephrata, PA 17522.