KNOBLAUCH: Leo Bernard
January 13, 1940 – March 21, 2015
Leo Bernard Knoblauch of St. Mary’s Villa, Humboldt, SK, passed away at his residence on Saturday, March 21, 2015. He was 75 years of age. Leo was born on January 13, 1940, to August and Elizabeth (nee Graf) Knoblauch at Meacham, SK. While growing up on the family farm south of Muenster, he attended St. Gertrude School, and enjoyed playing hockey and hanging out with his brothers, sisters and friends. On July 6, 1960 Leo married Dolores. They resided in Humboldt and Leo hauled water for a few years to the Humboldt residents. In the mid-1960's, Leo took over the family farm south of Muenster. He raised five children, farmed and also worked for his brother doing plumbing for nearly 15 years. In 1979, Leo retired from farming and decided to make a change; he moved the family into Muenster and started his own successful business called Modern Plumbing and Heating. Leo and Dolores travelled to a few places such as Hawaii and Vegas with various friends. Leo especially enjoyed going fishing and camping with his kids and grandchildren or friends. The first of three favorite trips was when he flew to Toronto to see Gord, with Bev and Tammy. The highlight of that trip was going to the Blue Jays game and touring the Roger's Centre. Leo remembered it like it was yesterday and loved every minute of it. The second and third trips were when his son-in-law flew him into "Fly In Fish Camps" in the Northwest Territories. They were fed like kings and caught 20-30 lb. fish. During the mid -1980's the grandchildren started to arrive which put a smile on his face. In the early 1990's, the plumbing shop was sold and Leo and Dolores moved to Humboldt where they built a new house. Soon after, in Leo's early 50's Ataxia started to control his life and retirement came early. Years went by and he struggled through life daily. His daughter Bev became a huge help to him and fed him, took him to appointments, and cared for whatever he needed - pretty much spoiled him. Leo's usual routine started every morning on his scooter to the BV to chat and have coffee with his friends. He resided in the Harry Ford Centre until 2013. Leo spent more and more time with his grandchildren as they came into his life. The last two years Leo resided in nursing homes and spent his last few months at St. Mary’s Villa. In Leo's final years he enjoyed watching his Blue Jays, chatting with friends that popped in to see him, being pushed by Bev and going for weekly walks outside, playing cards, listening to his Daniel O'Donnell CD's and best of all taking his great-grandson Kason for wheelchair rides. Leo is survived by his five children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren: Glenda Black (Dave Lamoureux) and family, Travis Black, Sheldon Black and Stacey Black; Gordon Knoblauch; Darcy Knoblauch; Bev (Darryl) Classen and family, Ashlee (Tyler) Amendt and children Kason and Kali Amendt, Jordan Classen and Carli Classen; and Tammy (Kevin) Nienaber and family, Cassandra Nienaber, Braden Nienaber and Riley Nienaber; two brothers: Alphonse Knoblauch and Edwin Knoblauch; one sister, Irene (Joe) Holz; sister-in-law, Helen Knoblauch; brothers-in-law: Raymond Biwer and Lorne Suchan; and by numerous nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, August and Elizabeth (nee Graf) Knoblauch; two sisters: Veronica Biwer and Ella Suchan; two brothers: Ben Knoblauch and Joe Knoblauch; and by sister-in-law, Doreen Knoblauch. The Funeral Service was held at Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at 10:30 a.m., officiated by Fr. Paul Paproski, OSB. Others taking part were: Carli Classen and Cassandra Nienaber, scripture readers; Stacey Black and Ashlee Amendt, intentions; and Boyd Black, eulogist. Music ministry was provided by organist Dolores Hinz. Active pallbearers were Travis, Sheldon and Stacey Black, Ashlee Amendt, Jordan and Carli Classen, Cassandra, Braden and Riley Nienaber. Honorary pallbearers were “all those who shared in Leo’s life”. Interment followed at St. Augustine R.C. Cemetery, Humboldt. Memorial donations may be directed to the Ataxia Foundation. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.