Edward Knodel - 1983

     Funeral services for Edward Knodel were Friday, Feb. 25, at 2:30 p.m. in the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bethune with Rev. Michael Greenwalt officiating. Song selections were "Going Down The Valley" and "Old Rugged Cross". Singers were the church choir and the organist was Jean Weisshaar.  Casket bearers were Arthur Knodel Jr., Allen Knodel, Edward R. Knodel, John Knodel, Steven Knodel, Timothy J. Wilkening.
Honorary casket bearers were Jake Weisshaar, Bill Kreoger, Fred Hilts St., Frank Walters, Ruben Schaal, Ted Schaal, Albert Weiss, and G.E. Schaal.  Interment was in the Immanuel Cemetery in Bethune.  Hendricks Mortuary was in charge of the arrangements.
     Edward Knodel, son of Gottlieb and Christina Knodel was born April 6, 1894, in Josephdorf, South Russia. He came with his family to the United States in 1906 and settled north of Bethune when he was 12 years old.
      He was baptized in infancy and was confirmed on April 4, 1909, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he remained a member all his life and attended regularly while his health permitted.
      Ed grew up in this community, working whenever there was a job ranching cattle until 1917 when he entered the service to serve in World War I. In 1918 he settled on his land in this area and built up his farm and livestock. On April 6, 1922, he was united in marriage to Helen C. Schaal. They lived on the farm for many years, serving on the church board and school board. In 1962 they moved to Burlington to their present home due to ill health.
      Ed and Helen were the parent of five children: Mabel, who died in infancy, Arthur R. of Kanorado, Lawrance E. of Burlington, Gladys Wilkening of Goodland, and Garvin C. of Burlington.
      Ed had been in failing health the past few years, until finally entering the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital on Jan 17 of this year with pneumonia, where he spent three weeks and was then released to the Burlington Rest Home on Feb. 13. He passed away there on Feb. 22, 1983, at the age of 88.
      Those left to mourn his passing are his widow Helen of the home, his three sons, Arthur and Martha Knodel, Lawrance and Ruth Knodel, Gladys and Jake Wilkening and Garvin and Doris Knodel; 13 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, his only surviving sister Eva Schaal of Loveland, a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, two sisters and his infant daughter.