David F. Knecht

David F. Knecht, 92, left this physical world on Tuesday, September 11, 2018. David was born in Wimbledon, ND, on August 20,1926, to Viola and Herman Knecht. After graduating from Wimbledon High School in 1944, he enlisted in the Navy. From 1946-1953 he attended the University of North Dakota and Garrett Biblical Institute (now Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary). He received a Master of Divinity degree with honors from Garrett in 1953; a Doctorate of Ministry from St. Paul School of Theology in 1976; and an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Dakota Wesleyan University in 1987. He served as a pastor at Fairmount-Bethany Methodist Church (Fairmount); Faith Methodist Church (Fargo); and McCabe United Methodist Church (Bismarck). He also served as the District Superintendent for the United Methodist Church and as the Administrative Assistant to Bishop Boulton. He then served First United Methodist Church (Fargo) for four years and one year as an interim pastor at McCabe in Bismarck before retiring in 1992. David served as chaplain in the North Dakota Air National Guard, the Happy Hooligans from 1958 to 1984. He was actively involved in many organizations, including Kiwanis Club in Bismarck and Fargo and the United Methodist Church Conference. He and his wife Jane provided service to several missions in the United States and globally during his retirement.

One of his biggest joys, aside from his family, was the Haven. David cleared the land along the shore of Little Wolf Lake in northern Minnesota in 1963, and over a period of many years, built a cabin (aka Knecht compound) that holds wonderful memories for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

David is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Perne and Karen and their spouses, and by his brother-in-law, Bill Sheldon. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jane (Sheldon); and his children, Kathleen Knecht; Margaret (Scott) Schaar; Jeanne (Duane) Scheffler; Laurie (AJ) Kluver; Chris (Ryan) Church; Jon (Amy) Knecht; and Tim Knecht. He also has 10 grandchildren: Sarah (Scott) Flores; Kristen Simonson; Kayla (Ryan) Swenson; Jacob (Linnea) Kluver; Allison (Matt) Beach; Dylan Church; Kira Church; Ben Kluver; Emma Church; and Aubrey Knecht; and 12 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, David and Jane Knecht Scholarship Fund, 2121 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60201 or Fargo First United Methodist Church Endowment Foundation, or a charity of your choice.