DES MOINES, Iowa ( KCCI ) - Influential central Iowa developer, businessman and philanthropist William C. “Bill” Knapp died Saturday morning. He was 99.

Knapp Properties, which he founded in the early 1990s, announced his death in a news release.

The company called Knapp a “self-made entrepreneur, visionary developer, and extraordinary philanthropist, (who) leaves behind a legacy that helped shape the future of Iowa and elevated the civic life of generations.”

Knapp is remembered by several of his colleagues and organizations he helped, including Drake University and Central and Western Iowa Honor Flight.

“He is a legend at Drake University,” John Smith, vice president for university advancement, said.

Knapp donated over $3 million to help build the Knapp Center, which hosts all of

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