Clifford Knickrehm

Clifford Shorty Carl Knickrehm was born August 16, 1930 in St. James, MN to Edward and Evelyn (Lange) Knickrehm. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. James. He went to District #28 Country School until 8th grade and then graduated from St. James High School. He entered the Air Force in November 1950 and was honorably discharged as Airman First Class in December 1953. Shorty was stationed in Florida, Texas, Wyoming, California, and Alaska during his tour of duty. He drove a refueling tanker at Cape Canaveral. He received a good conduct medal and The National Defense Service Medal. Shorty married Sharon Ann Jakobe on January 9, 1955 in Fort Dodge, IA. Shorty and Sharon moved to the Knickrehm homestead on February 9, 1959. While farming, Shorty also raised dairy and beef cattle, pigs, and chickens. He loved all the dogs they ever had on the farm. He did custom farm work for other farmers. Over the years he baled thousands of bales of hay and straw, far too many to count. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion. He was commander of the St. James VFW in 1987-1988. He supported the National Farmers Organization. He also completed civil service by being a township board member for 24 years. He retired from farming in 2000, eventually moving into St. James on September 16, 2006. He enjoyed playing softball for the VFW, bowling, and playing cards of any kind. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He donated many gallons of blood to the Bloodmobile. Cliff lived at home until just before Easter when he was hospitalized for 2 weeks in St. James. He then moved to The Golden Living Center in Franklin, MN for 2 1/2 weeks before passing away on May 4th, 2015. The love and care he received at home from Sharon and his family sustained him well beyond his years. Those left to cherish is memory are his wife, Sharon, children, Thomas and Sandy (Hodgkinson) Knickrehm of North Mankato, Edward and girlfriend, Sherry Baker, Knickrehm of St. James, Dale and Cindy (Shores) Knickrehm of St. James, Stephen and Pheng (Naxay) Knickrehm of Mountain Lake and Natalie Knickrehm of Trimont, grandchildren, Nathan (Stacey Tameling), Sadie and special friend, Brooke Dokken, Jared and girlfriend, Billi Meade, and Allie; Ashley, Tyler, Shay (Kris Forstrom), and Kane; Alex and Austin; James, Kim, Nick and Sara (Henze), and Jenny, 13 great-grandchildren, sister, Ardy Freiderich of Mankato, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and his most recent favorite dog, Lizzy. Shorty was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Arlene Nelson and two brothers-in-law, Jack Freiderich and Vernon Nelson. Visitation 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday, May 8, 2015 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 2:00 pm Saturday, May 9, 2015 St. James Catholic Church, St. James 623 4th Street S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Calvary Cemetery- St. James East of town on CR 27 Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081