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Obituary of Jacob Knelsen
Jacob P Knelsen, 88 of Steinbach, Manitoba passed away peacefully with his loved ones near by on December 10, 2020 at 10:32 PM at the Bethesda Regional Health Care Centre in Steinbach, Manitoba.
He is survived by six (6) children; son Peter (Kelly), daughter Betty (Martin), daughter Gertrude (Harry), daughter Mary (Rudy), son Jake, daughter Susie; 13 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, several foster great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, two brothers and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by the love of his life, Maria and one grandson Kevin and two great-grandsons Chase and Jaxon, and numerous siblings.
Mom and Dad were married on August 23, 1953 in Mexico and were blessed with 6 children. They moved their family of 4 and one in the womb on May 7, 1961 to Manitoba, Canada.
They made their first home in the Gretna/Blumenort area and later moved to Winkler, MB where Dad worked at Monarch Machinery for several years. Two more children were added to their fold while living in this area. They moved their family to many different places in Manitoba and eventually settled in Springstein, MB where most of us grew up. Dad was working as a Carpenter at this time, and even till he got sick he would express the desire to be helping with the construction of his new church home.
When it got to be too hard for Dad to work at construction, he got a job at Palliser Furniture, where he worked until he retired. He loved building furniture and he built many dining room tables and chairs for his children in his backyard shop.
He became Mom’s caregiver when she was wheelchair bound and gave up his woodworking hobby at that time. He was an excellent caregiver to our Mom.
After Mom passed away he spent his days with friends having coffee, meals at all the local restaurants, and he loved puzzling.
Dad loved Jesus and he loved his church and the church family. He did not miss many services. Programs at Fernwood were a highlight and a blessing to him, and he attended as many as he could. And through all of them, Dad grew closer to Jesus. He loved his Christian TV stations, and he would listen to many sermons on there.
His joy for life was evident in his teasing, infectious laughter and his infamous antics to bring smiles to all.
Jake, Grandpa Jake, Uncle Jake or Candy Grandpa as he was known by so many was a beloved friend to all who were fortunate enough to know him.
He will be forever missed, always remembered, loved and celebrated.
We are thankful to our Heavenly Father for taking Dad Home. We are so thankful for the life Dad had and the many lives he touched.
The family would like to express sincere appreciation for all the staff at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Emergency Staff, and the Birchwood Funeral Chapel for all your care-giving to our Father.
He will be laid to rest beside his loving wife in the Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach.
Love, The Family
A private family service will be held Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 1:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with interment at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.
