DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa State Capitol Bureau) -- Friends and family prepare for the funeral on Wednesday for one of Iowa’s most well-known real estate developers, Bill Knapp, who died Saturday at the age of 99.

Knapp was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up on his family’s farm in Allerton, Iowa. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and served overseas in World War II.

After he returned to the United States, Knapp spent decades building Iowa Realty -- and later Knapp Properties -- into the one of the state’s largest and well-known commercial real estate businesses.

Knapp also established a reputation for generosity as he donated millions to Drake University, the Iowa State Fair, and numerous other non-profit and community causes.

He also donated land for the Iowa Vet

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