O'Tillia "Tillie" Agnes Knodel

Tillie (O’Tillia) Knodel – Tillie Knodel, 107, was called home to be with her Lord on March 11, 2016, and reunited with her one true love, Edwin. Tillie’s was an amazing life both in its longevity, and the positive impact she made on everyone she touched.
A celebration of Tillie’s life will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at the United Church of Christ in Scotland, South Dakota with Reverend Ron Shifley officiating. Lunch will immediately follow, and she will be laid to rest beside Edwin in the Menno cemetery after the services and fellowship. Visitation will be from 5 – 7 PM on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at the Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland with family present.
Pallbearers are Alvin Werkmeister, Joseph Fischer, Cody Geuther, Brady Geuther, Kelsey Schildhauer, and Tyler Spears.
O’Tillia Agnes Descombaz was born April 1, 1908 at her family’s home in Midland, South Dakota, to Gustaf and Emilie Descombaz. Her childhood was shared with three sisters, Alice, Alma, and Esther, and one brother, Edwin. From an early age, Tillie knew the value of honest, hard work. As was common at that time, she left school at age 13 and started working for her uncle, caring for their three young children, doing housework, and working in the fields over the next ten years.
In 1931, she met and married the love of her life, Edwin Henry Knodel. They even shared a birthday of April Fools Day! They were united in marriage on September 11, 1931. Just five years later, they were blessed with a daughter, Delaine, who became the light of her parents’ lives. In 1949, they suffered heartbreak with the stillbirth of their son, Lynn. However, Tillie’s faith and family persevered. Tillie cared for her family and worked side-by-side with her husband through the trials of the Great Depression. Edwin was a good provider and worked hard. It was trying times, however, and they often had to move to find what work was available. They worked in many states doing many jobs that kept their little family afloat. She was never afraid of hard work, often working in potato fields, tending crops, providing seamstress services, and accepting other jobs that would help support them. She and Edwin were a true team, and through hard times they found a way to forge ahead together.
In 1974, Tillie lost Edwin. Although her spirit wavered, her love for him never did. In the 42 years since his death, she wore her wedding ring proudly and spoke of him often. Since they had moved to many places over the years, she was often asked where her favorite place had been. She said that anywhere her and Edwin were together was her favorite place.
Tillie worked at many jobs during her life, always valuing hard work and doing what was right. She took great joy in her family and her faith. Her beautiful voice was often lifted in song at church. She loved to cook authentic German foods. Sundays at Tillie’s were a wonderful gift, and no one ever left hungry. She loved to write, draw, crochet, and craft. Nearly everyone in her family has cherished Valentines that she handmade each year. There was nothing like getting that heart in the mail from Tillie with her thoughtful words and hand-drawn pictures. Every letter ended the same: “God loves you and so do I.”
At 107 years of age, Tillie had the distinction of being South Dakota’s oldest resident. But more than age, Tillie’s memory is woven into the fabric of her family, her friends, and everyone that she touched. Her work ethic, her love ethic, and her simple grace will forever be cherished by all those that knew her, because to know Tillie was to love her.
Grateful for having shared her life are her daughter, Delaine Geuther; grandchildren: Linda (Patrick) Sparks, Twila (Tim) Woehl, DelRay (Pam) Geuther, LaDonna (Lefty) Geuther, Allen (Cindy) Geuther, and Shirley (Gordan) Dittman; great-grandchildren: Tasha Anderson, Mindy (Joe) Fischer, Sandra (Kelsey) Geuther, Kayla (David) Landry, Cody, Alicia, and Brady Geuther, Alana (Travis) Mullner, James (Kathy) Geuther, Jessica (Ray) Horsley, Jamie and Jolene Dittman, and Jeremy and Christopher Geuther; eight (and counting) great- great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Tillie was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin, her infant son, Lynn, her parents and siblings, her son-in-law, Ray Geuther, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.