Jake Knelsen

Jake Knelsen, age 7, left this world far too soon on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 surrounded by family at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, Saskatoon, SK. Jake A. Case Knelsen was born on January 17, 2016 to Marvin Knelsen and Sammi-Jo Fuchs at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK. Shortly after his speedy rush (on his own terms) into the world, Jake underwent minor surgery on his heart at the Children’s Hospital, where he wrapped everyone around his tiny finger the moment he graced the door step.

Jake attended Central School in Swift Current and was proud of everything that he was learning. He loved going to school and especially enjoyed the library. He loved his friends and had such a gentle heart, always showing kindness and offering friendship to everyone he met.

Jake was the shop boss at his dad’s shop and in grade one decided he was going to be a farmer when he grew up. Going to work with mom at the vet clinic landed him his own position on Saturdays — he made sure the laundry was looked after and the flowers were watered. Jake loved being out at the farm in the fresh air, riding on the tractor, and taking part in all aspects of farm life.

Jake loved any vehicle that was loud and fast. Monster trucks, cars, tractors, semis, trucks — the louder and faster, the better. He loved doing burnouts and donuts with his dad. He was taught from birth that Case tractors and Ford trucks were the best, and old machinery and vehicles often still have something to offer if you’re willing to take the time to look. Jake was an old soul from the very beginning.

He also loved helping his mom pick out what flowers they would plant every year — blue, yellow, and red especially — the brighter the better. Jake attended Awana in Rhineland and enjoyed being in the Sparks, learning about the Bible, and memorizing verses.

He was passionate about learning and his many interests. Jake loved playing and creating with his Lego and Spiderman quickly became his favourite superhero. Many valuable things were learned through watching Veggie Tales, especially when Larry Boy was involved. When it came to dinosaurs, he needed to find out every fact and name, which became his mom’s second most Googled question.

Playing soccer quickly became his sport of choice and he learned early on he really liked to play the position of keeper. Jake was always on the case with Chase and the rest of the Paw Patrol Pack. In his quest for knowledge, he learned all about the Grinch — becoming quite possibly his number one fan — and quickly learned how to read the book all on his own. Voices and all.

Jake was a very special boy who was dearly loved and will be incredibly missed by his family, friends, teachers, classmates, and all who knew him.

Jake is survived by his parents, Marvin Knelsen and Sammi-Jo Fuchs; his great-grandma, Irene Dyck; his grandparents, Gordon & Lois Knelsen, Phillip Fuchs, and Fay (Cliff) Unger; his aunts and uncles, Myron (Amanda) Knelsen, Melissa (Denny) Willems, Gary (Dezirae Penner) Fuchs, and Adrien (Kyla) Unger; and by his cousins, Daillin, Brooklyn, Samuel, Jairus, Malachi, Zachary, Cyril, Rowdy, Riah, Remi, Raelee, Desirae, Daylon, and Shaianne (Cody, their daughter, Hadley).

Jake was predeceased by his great-grandma, Susie Knelsen; and by his great-uncle, Donald McGuffin. 

The Celebration of Life for Jake Knelsen was held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 2:00 pm from Christian Fellowship Church, Rhineland, SK with Pastor Tim Knelsen officiating. “This Little Light of Mine,” “Peace Like a River,” and “So Good to Me” were sung by the congregation under the leadership of Kevin Friesen and Jennifer Friesen. Special music was brought by David Giles, who sang “Taken Too Soon.” Matthew 22:39 was read by Dan Dueck. The photo tribute was given by Kathy Dueck. Tributes were given by Kelsey Pillman and Nicole Banman, which included reading “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The eulogy was read by Lorraine Serhienko-Wood. The prerecorded Music was “Live Forever,” Billy Joe Shaver ft. Big and Rich, “Life is a Highway,” Rascal Flatts, and “Our Town,” James Taylor. The ushers in the church were Kevin Friesen, Josh Rempel, Dave Wall, and Korvin Olfert.

The service card is posted below.

The Interment Service was held following the Celebration of Life from the Knelsen Family Cemetery, McMahon, SK with Dr. Glen Griffin, Jared Wipf, Corey Nerada, Bob Snydmiller, Cody Hattum, and Kim Hattum serving as Pallbearers.

In memory of Jake Knelsen, donations made to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House would be appreciated by the family. Online donation information is available further down the page. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jake Knelsen, please visit our floral store.