Degree: Fourth
Member since: May 13, 2003
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Joe Pollpeter was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, and has found his place with the Knights of Columbus in West Des Moines as a Fourth Degree Knight.
Joe attended Dowling Catholic High School and went on to continue his education at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. There he received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Following college, Joe worked for Bermans Leather Goods, a retail company selling leather outerwear. Joe spent plenty of time moving around for work. While living in St. Louis, Joe decided to work with his father who had started Two Rivers Glass and Doors in Des Moines.
Joe bought the company from his father 17 years ago and enjoyed his time growing the business. He sold the company two years ago.
Family
Joe and his wife Kara have been married for 31 years and together have two daughters. The oldest, Emily, is a schoolteacher at St. Luke’s in Ankeny. The youngest, Megan, was married last year and is a funeral director in Newton. They have been members of St. Francis of Assisi parish since 1999.
Though Joe didn’t have any family members in the Knights of Columbus, he grew up Catholic and while attending a fish fry, Joe was asked to join the Knights of Columbus community.
Activity Involvement
Since joining the Knights, Joe has held several positions in the council including Outside Guard, Secretary, Deputy Grand Knight, 2008 Grand Knight and won the 2008 Knight of the Year for the State of Iowa. He currently and serves as the Scholarship chair for the council and some observant folks might spy him on the Feast of St. Nicholas.
Joe has served as the Faithful Navigator for Assembly 3031 and is currently the Faithful Comptroller.
As a new member to St. Francis, Joe said joining the Knights was the best opportunity to meet new people and to help the church.
“You make so many good friends through the Knights,” Joe said. “Not only my great friends but also Kara’s good friends, they have become family.”
Joe encourages young and future Knights to get involved. “Don’t sit on the sidelines; pick out something and do it,” Joe said. “It’s the best way to get involved and meet other people, even if you only pick one thing and get really into it.”