Steven L. Knodel -- 2009

The Burlington Record, Burlington, Colorado

Steven Lawrence Knodel was born on Aug. 30, 1957 in Burlington, to Lawrence and Ruth (Lippert) Knodel. The Lord called him home on Saturday, March 28, 2009 after suffering from Amyloidosis, a rare blood disease which affected his heart. Steve passed away at the age of 5l in transit to Presbyterian St. Luke Hospital in Denver.
Steve was raised on the family farm north of Burlington where he developed his love for farming and ranching. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Bethune and graduated from Burlington High School in 1975.

Good friends introduced Steve to his wife, best friend and soul mate, Susan Kay Wiley, and they were married Sept. 10, 1977. Steve and Susan lived and worked in Burlington for six years when they had their first daughter, Angela Sue born on Sept. 20, 1983.

Soon after, Steve and Susan were given the opportunity to take over the Wiley farm near Idalia in 1985 where they spent the last 24 years raising cattle, corn and wheat. Their second daughter, Andrea Kay was born on Sept. 22, 1987.

Steve held a special bond with his daughters, Angela and Andrea and loved supporting them through their school days at Idalia School. He was extremely proud of their accomplishments in 4- H, FFA, sports, college and all of their endeavors.

Steve took an active role in his community by serving on the Idalia Visions Board, Idalia School Board, and the Armel Fire Department, church choir, numerous church committees and was an avid fan of the Idalia Wolves sports teams.

His favorite time of the year was gathering with friends and neighbors for their yearly branding. He enjoyed farming, ranching, hunting, fishing, working cattle, playing cards, and spending time with his family, neighbors and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Susan, Idalia; daughter Angela and son- in-law Troy Worth of Ames, Iowa; daughter Andrea Knodel and future son-in- law Tucker Louthan; mother Ruth Knodel, Burlington; sisters Joyce Knodel, Burlington; Susie (Tony) Paintin, Kit Carson; father and mother-in-law, Ward and Vaudie Wiley, Burlington; sisters-in- law Patricia Wiley, Greeley; Sally (Brett) Parker Idaha along with seven nieces, one nephew, several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He will be deeply missed by everyone that knew him.

Funeral services were held Thursday, April 2,2009 at the United Methodist Church, St. Francis, Kan. Officiant [sic] the Rev. Morita Truman. Burial was in the Armel cemetery, rural Yuma County. Honorary pallbearers were Jerry. Soehner, Keith Weyerman, Roger Richards, Donald Richards, Wayne Weyerman, Freeman Morris, Bob Brenner, Gary Soehner, Dale Nider, Robin Wiley. Casketbearers Jason Scheler, Chad Richards, Ross Morris, Josh Morris, Curt Dutro, Duane Richards, Riley Shaffer, Tatt Soehner. Arrangements by Knodel Funeral. Home, St. Francis, Kan.