Loren Henry Kniep

The Reverend Loren Henry Kniep, 94, of Ault, passed away Friday, February 15, 2019, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Westminster. He was born to Carl August and Anna Sophia (Ottemann) Kniep on October 25, 1924, in Byron, NE, where he grew up and graduated from high school in 1942. Kniep attended business college in Hastings, NE, for six months. In 1944, he was drafted in the U.S. Army, completed basic training at Camp Walter in Mineral Wells, TX, and was placed on a troop ship to the Philippines. While on board, he had an encounter with God and knew that he was to become a servant of the Lord. At Leyte, in the Philippines, he was designated a clerk typist and assigned to MacArthur's headquarter as a secretary. He was transferred to Japan and honorably discharged from Tokyo in 1946. Loren attended Midland College in Fremont, NE, and then transferred to Capitol University in Columbus, OH, to complete his bachelor's degree and attend seminary. While in seminary, he met Margaret Anne Jungck at a Leadership Training School in Hays, KS, in 1950, and they were married on June 11, 1952, in Rushville, NE. After graduating in 1954 from seminary, he served churches in Bassett, Beatrice, Lewiston, and Gothenberg, NE, and Loveland, Aurora, and Eaton, CO. Kniep officially retired in 1990, but soon returned to the ministry by serving part-time in Ft. Collins, CO. After serving there, he also served as an interim pastor in Ault, Eaton, and Rushville, NE. He had many interests which included woodworking, camping, traveling, bicycles, gardening, and "farming" with an antique tractor. He most enjoyed spending time with his family. He was affiliated with retired Lutheran minister groups and several ministerial associations over the 64 years of his ministry. Those thankful to have shared his life include his wife, Margaret Anne Kniep of Ault; children, Diane (Jerry) Stoneberger of Pierce, CO, Cheryl Schlemer of Loveland, CO, Laurel (Dick) Brasher of Arvada, CO, Tim Kniep of Ault, CO; six grandchildren, Caitlin Pollmann, Chelsey Urdahl, Jonathon Brasher, Ryan Brasher, Lauren Payne, and Shane Hodges; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Luetta Wenske; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Wilber, LaVern, and Raymond. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, February 21, 2019, at Adamson. Life Celebration Services are at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 22, 2019, at Faith Lutheran Church, 36980 WCR 37, Eaton, CO, with a reception to follow. Interment is at 2:00 p.m. Friday at Resthaven Memorial Gardens. Memorial gifts may be made to "Campus Crusade for Christ" in care of Adamson, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634. Friends may leave condolences at AdamsonCares.com.