MaryJean Talbert Knepper, 74, of Cascade, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at Accura HealthCare in Cascade.

Visitation for MaryJean will be held from 9 to 10 a.m., Saturday, October 31, 2026, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, followed by services at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Kruse presiding. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade. The Reiff Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

MaryJean was born January 10, 1952 in Cascade to William “Bill” and Doris (Brady) Talbert. Growing up, she was the one who corralled the kids to get chores done before heading out to play a game with the neighbors. She was a natural leader who got things done and a fierce protector of all those she loved.

After graduation, MaryJean attended Marycrest College and then built her life in the Quad Cities, working first as a dispatcher for the police department before starting her career at John Deere first in Security, moving later to Human Resources at both Davenport Works and Dubuque Works until her retirement in October, 2012.

Throughout her adult life, MaryJean’s leadership and talent for getting things done continued to shine. She was a talented gardener who made sure her own gardens and her mom's were filled with color and life. She made gifts of ceramics, crochet, and peanut brittle for family and friends throughout her life, filling their homes and holidays with reminders of her thoughtfulness and love.

MaryJean built a community around herself. Her circle of friends was full of strong and resilient women like her and they all tackled life with passion and fun.

On July 22, 2006 she was united in marriage to Steven Knepper at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa. Together, they made homes in Cascade and in Mesa, AZ where they welcomed friends and family. They travelled together in retirement, enjoying new people and places, but they always came home to love, support, and celebrate their grandkids and family members.

She was a member of St. Matthias Parish in Cascade.

She is survived by her husband, Steven Knepper of Cascade, Iowa; children, Shelley Knepper, Ben Knepper, James (Katie) Knepper and Jill Knepper all of Cascade; her siblings, Sheryl (Jim) Buckels of West Des Moines, IA, Pat (Lori) Talbert of Sturgeon Bay, WI, and Kathy Talbert of Chanhassen, MN; four sisters-in-law, Marilyn Talbert, Barb (Tim) Smith, Joyce Knepper and Nancy Knepper; eleven grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Dianne M. Knepper; a brother, Mark “Billy” Talbert; a daughter-in-law, Christina Knepper; a grandson, Keenan Dowe; a granddaughter, Isabella Dowe; and a great grandson, Rodger Knepper.

The family would like to thank the staff of Accura HealthCare and St. Croix Hospice for their care of MaryJean and support of our family.

In lieu of gifts and flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Junior Achievement. MaryJean volunteered with them for many years and was proud of the work she did with kids there.

https://heartland.ja.org/donate/index

A online video tribute may be viewed and online condolences sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc@gmail.com