Henry A. Knelsen, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Linda Knelsen, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, at the age of 82 years.

Besides his loving wife, Linda, of almost 58 years, he leaves behind his two children; Shona (Howard) Archibald and Amanda Knelsen, two grandchildren: Tatyana (Bryce) and Keelie, one great-grandchild, Memphis, and three step great-grandchildren. Henry was blessed to come from a large family and is survived by five siblings: Maria (Lorne) Fisher, Anna Kate Solbak, Helene (Don) Waugh, Ben (Carol) and Harry (Deborah) and numerous extended relatives, too numerous to mention. Henry was predeceased by his parents, David and Maria, sister Beth, and brothers Pete, Dave, and Barny.

Born in Feldenrode, Poland on January 24, 1944, Henry and his family fled communism and were refugees in Germany following World War II. In 1949, Henry and his parents and siblings were sponsored to come to Canada. They travelled by ship from Germany to Halifax, and then settled in Rosemary, Alberta. The family moved to Coaldale in 1952. He grew up working with his siblings on the family farm Northeast of Coaldale until Henry stepped away from the farm to explore different paths. Those paths led him to a career in Welding, after graduating from the Lethbridge College as a Journeyman Welder. Being in Lethbridge, gave Henry the opportunity to meet Linda; it was truly love at first sight. After three years of dating, they were married on October 12, 1968. They made their home in Lethbridge and welcomed their first daughter (Shona) in 1977 with a second daughter (Amanda) joining the family in 1980.

Henry was a loyal and faithful husband. Where you saw Linda, you would see Henry, they were inseparable. He was a kind and considerate father, grandpa, and great grandpa, loving us unconditionally. He had a gentle way about him, easy to talk to and never asking for much, finding joy in the simplest things. He was happiest when surrounded by his family. Henry loved the Lord with all his heart, and the resurrection was something he spoke of often. How fitting that is the day he went home to be with his Lord and Saviour.

He was an amazing Welder/Fabricator. His work is proudly on display and can be seen throughout Lethbridge to this day even though he was retired over 30 years ago. Henry was an avid fisherman and fly-tier, an excellent hunter, loved his seasonal camping spot at Gold Springs, drives with the family, playing Canasta with friends and going for morning coffee with his love. Coming from a musical family, he also loved music and singing, he had a beautiful tenor voice and often blessed Linda and the girls with a song. Henry will be missed immensely by all who knew him.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the wonderful team of Doctors and Nurses at the Chinook Regional Hospital on unit 4B, who gave such excellent care to Henry in his last month with us.

A Visitation will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

A Funeral Service will be held at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 1011 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. with The Reverend Taylor Croissant, M. Div. officiating. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Henry’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2026-04-05
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta