Knelson, Jacob (1906-1970)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1970 Mar 06 p. 26

Birth date: 1906 Dec 03

text of obituary:

JACOB KNELSON

Jacob Knelson was born in Nicopol, Russia on December 3, 1906. He spent his youth at Nicopol and after the hardships of the Revolution emigrated to Canada. He came to Saskatchewan in 1925 and worked as a farm labourer for several years. During the late 20's and early 30's he farmed on his own. On March 31, 1931 he was married to Mary Janzen. Their marriage was blessed with four children, two boys and two girls.

Mr. Knelson owned and operated a grocery store in the hamlet of Kelstern from 1937 to 1959. From Kelstern the family moved to Regina where Mr. Knelson first took up postal duties and then joined the firm of C.A. DeFehr & Sons with whom he worked until several months prior to his death.

Mr. Knelson made his initial experience with Christ at the age of 12. At 16 he recommitted his life to the Lord and was baptized and received into the Mennonite Brethren Church. He took great interest in singing and especially enjoyed serving the Lord in male quartets. During the closing months of his life Mr. Knelson experienced a deepening in his relationship to Christ. He passed away quietly on January 22, at the age of 63.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary; four children, Mrs. Manfred (Hilda) Gerhart of Medicine Hat. Alta., Edward Knelson, also of Medicine Hat, Mrs. Ken (Viola) Armstrong of Ottawa, Dennis Knelson of Regina; three brothers, Henry of Hodgeville, Sask., Dick of Kelstern, Peter of Mouse Jaw; one sister, Mrs. R. (Helen) Tacholsky of Swift Current, and one step-sister, Miss Mary Goertzen of Winnipeg.

Funeral services were held from the Hill Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church of Regina on January 26 with Rev. Ed Lautermilch of Swift Current ministering. A male quartet made up of employees from C.A. DeFehr & Sons ministered in song. A special service was held on the evening of January 25 for those who could not attend the funeral service. Here Pastor Peter Teigrob spoke on "The Struggle Against Sin, Triumph of Faith and the Courage of Trust." A favourite song of Mr. Knelsons. " Where wi11 you Spend Eternity?", was sung by a mixed octet