The Michael & Jean Knepper Childcare Center

A collaboration with The Kid Project.

How the Vision Took Shape

For years, our childcare center outgrew its original home. Families need more space, more classrooms, and more opportunities for their children to learn and thrive. In 2023, conversations began about building a brand-new facility - one that could serve our community for decades to come.

What started as a dream soon became a focused effort supported by dedicated leaders, generous donors, and countless helping hands!

Group of seven people standing in front of a banner at a groundbreaking ceremony for a future child care center, with a truck and flag in the background.

Honoring Michael & Jean Knepper

The new center is named in honor of Michael & Jean Knepper, whose generosity and lifelong love for children made this project possible. Their belief in nurturing the next generation has impacted countless families.

Their gift laid the foundation - both literally and figuratively - for a space where children can grow, explore, and discover their potential.

A speaker addressing an audience in a large room with high ceilings, American flags to the side, and rows of seated attendees clapping and listening.
Group of people standing outdoors on grass in front of a large sign that reads 'Future Site Of' with a partly cloudy sky background, an American flag on a pole, and a white trailer to the right.
A group of elderly people socializing at a gathering, with some sitting and others standing and talking.
Group of people standing outdoors in front of a blue banner with clouds and text, some smiling and gathering together with an American flag in the background, during daytime.
A woman is standing at a podium with a sign that reads 'Michael & Jean Knepper Child Care Center Dedication, 11/08/2024' during a ceremony, flanked by two flags, the American flag on her left and another flag on her right, with an audience clapping and smiling in the background.
Four adults engaged in conversation in an office setting, two women and two men, with one woman gesturing with her hands

Kid Project 2.0 Committee Members

Fundraising Committee

Dave Schroeder - Campaign Chair

Cindy Oberbroeckling - Campaign Coordinator

Jacque Rahe

Michelle Grover

Sheila Tegeler

Dan Zitelman

Nancy Dunkel

Kari Nickol

Megan Vorwald

Karla Thompson

The Late Steve Salter

Construction Committee

Dave Schroeder

Mike Decker

Jacque Rahe

Maddie Allen

Justin Allen

Cindy Oberbroeckling

Transition Committee

Barb Maiers

Jacque Rahe

Cindy Oberbroeckling

Jeff Simon

Shirley Olberding

Sheila Tegeler

Michelle Grover

Dyersville Economic Development Board of Directors

Roger Gibbs - President

Barry Klosterman - Vice President

Dave Schroeder - Vice President

Todd Steffen - Treasurer

Dan Tauke - Secretary

Dave Bell

Martina Bockenstedt

Mike Decker

Tim English

Pat Hogrefe

Marcel Kielkucki

Doris Koopmann

Nathan Runde

Elliot Salter

Jesse Steger

Dyersville Area Community Foundation Board of Directors

Sheila Tegeler - Chairman of the Board

Lisa Maiers - Vice President

Dave Schroeder - Treasurer

Karla Thompson - Secretary

Nancy Dunkel

Jeff Simon

Mary Ungs-Sogaard

Mike English

Carrie Koelker

Elliot Salter

Jeremy Olberding

Shirely Olberding

A black and white illustration of a list of donors for a donation campaign titled "$100,000 & Above Helping Hands," including names and organizations such as Michael & Jean Knepper, Fidelity Bank and Trust, and others, with a decorative border and dots around it.

Thank You Donors!