Knelsen, Dietrich (1910-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Dec 7 p, 24

Birth date: 1910 Oct 26

text of obituary:

DIETRICH KNELSEN

Dietrich (Dick) Knelsen of Kelstern, Sask. passed away Aug. 25. He was born Oct. 26, 1910 in Olgafeld, Russia. In 1925 the family immigrated to Canada, settling on a homestead near Kelstern. He had 6 years of schooling in Russia. He worked on his father's farm and for neighbours in Canada. He learned to read English with help from his neighbour, Mrs. Thompson. He accepted Christ in his teens, was baptized and joined Elim MB (now Kelstern Community) Church, a church he deeply loved the rest of his life. In 1940 he married Bertha Tacholsky; they began to farm. His concern for his 2 sons and their spiritual well-being never waned. He was a home-loving person, but took time to listen and talk with anyone who needed a listening ear. He was committed to the Bible, and often expressed concern about the direction the church was taking. He sang in a church quartet and choir for many years and served on various boards and committees in the church and the community. Predeceased by 1 sister, 1 brother and an adopted sister, he is mourned by Bertha; sons Alden of Swift Current, Sask. and Larry of Kelstern and their families; 2 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was Aug. 28 in Kelstern Community Church, with Archie Jantzen and Ray Ulriksen ministering.