KAESE: Marie Josephine
April 5, 1919 鈥� February 27, 2017
The death of Mrs. Marie Josephine (nee Knittig) Kaese of St. Mary鈥檚 Villa, Humboldt, SK, (and formerly of Annaheim, SK), occurred at Humboldt District Hospital, Humboldt, on Monday, February 27, 2017. She was 97 years of age. Marie left peacefully to join her husband Benno and the many good family and friends who predeceased her. She was born to Anton and Josephine (nee Odermatt) Knittig on April 5, 1919, at home on the family farm in the Annaheim district.聽 She was raised there and attended Annaheim School. On October 5, 1943, Marie married Benno Kaese at Annaheim. Their union was blessed with two children, a son and a daughter. In 1968, after 25 years of farming side-by-side, Marie and Benno semi-retired and moved into Humboldt. That October, Marie began working in the kitchen at St. Elizabeth鈥檚 Hospital, which she truly loved. Marie loved her home in Humboldt and grew a beautiful garden filled with many flowers that are still enjoyed today. She was a congenial hostess and when reminiscing about her cooking, she would modestly admit that 鈥淚 know I made good pies鈥�. The many visitors to the Kaese home would certainly agree. Sadly, on March 23, 1975, Benno passed away three months after he was injured in a tragic two-train collision. Marie鈥檚 independent nature and deep faith helped her find 鈥渘ew normals鈥�. She was a hard-working, active member of her community and church, and was a member of the Catholic Women鈥檚 League for 65 years, including a term on the Executive of the Annaheim Chapter. Music was always one of Marie鈥檚 greatest passions; she sang in the church and seniors choirs including the Golden Age Singers. As well, she was a self-taught pianist who enjoyed playing on an almost daily basis which continued at St. Mary鈥檚 Villa when she moved there two-and-a-half years ago, and fellow residents would gather in her room to hear her play. In April 1984, after a period of 15 years, Marie retired from her position at St. Elizabeth鈥檚 Hospital. With her new-found freedom, she enjoyed travelling in Europe, the United States, and Canada. Even from her chair at St. Mary鈥檚 Villa, she was still trying to encourage friends to accompany her for another trip to California. Marie particularly loved the many family reunions in St. Paul, MN. Her gracious manner and sense of humor made it easy for her to find new friends wherever she went. Other interests over the years including gardening, baking, playing cards, and crocheting. Afghans were lovingly created for each family member and for charity fund raising.聽 More than anything, Marie took delight in following the life adventures of her grandchildren. A very special lady, the following quote beautifully describes Marie: 鈥淕race was in all her steps, heaven in her eye, in every gesture dignity and love.鈥�聽 Marie will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her two children, three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren: Robert and his wife Virginia (nee Kuemper) and their family, Rhonda (Stacey) Campbell and son Evan Campbell, Leah (John) Baldry and children Jordyn Baldry and Evan Baldry; and Nadine (Scott) Hicks and children Alicia Hicks and Carter Hicks; and daughter Mary Ellen (nee Kaese) and Bob Gordon; three brothers:聽 Alois Knittig, Tony Knittig, and John Knittig; and by her nieces, nephews, and their families. She was predeceased by her husband, Benno Kaese; two great-grandchildren: Dallen Campbell and Stefan Mueller; parents, Anton and Josephine (nee Odermatt) Knittig; and by two brothers and three sisters: Adolph Knittig, Agnes Hilbert, Alfred Knittig, Theresa Therres, and Frances Kunz. 鈥淲e, the family of Marie Kaese, would like to extend our sincere, heartfelt appreciation to the many special and supportive friends and community who contributed so much to Marie鈥檚 quality of life through the many years.鈥�聽 The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine R.C. Church, Humboldt, on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor. Others taking part were: Leah Baldry and Nadine Hicks, scripture readers; Mary Ellen and Bob Gordon, giftbearers. Music ministry was provided by director Loretta Schugmann, organist Marie Aubin, and members of the St. Augustine Parish Funeral Choir. An honor guard was formed by members of the C.W.L. Honorary pallbearers were 鈥渁ll those who knew and loved Marie鈥�. Active pallbearers were Dennis Knittig, Donald Hilbert, Duane Knittig, Lamont Knittig, John Baldry, and Scott Hicks. Interment followed at St. Augustine R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to the St. Mary鈥檚 Villa Foundation, P.O. Box 1743, Humboldt, SK, S0K 2A0. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
