James McKnight

The funeral service for James McKnight of Bertha, will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2014, at the New Life Church of God in Bertha, with Pastor J.C. Duncan officiating. Friends may call on Friday at the Domian-Anderson Chapel in Bertha from 4:00-8:00p.m. Visitation will resume at the church on Saturday from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service. James passed away unexpectedly at the age of 31, on February 3, 2014. James was born to Mike McKnight and Marlene (Ahlers) Calhoun on April 12, 1982, in Parkers Prairie, MN. As a youngster he always liked playing outside with tractors. He attended school in Eagle Valley, Wadena, Battle Lake and Henning, MN, along with West Side Academy in Wenatchee, WA. He attained his GED at MState College in Wadena. James enjoyed anything outdoors, working on his ’67 Chevy Impala and helping his friends work on their vehicles, truck-pulls, farming, riding his new blue motorcycle and having a good time. He loved spending time with his kids, family and friends. He was well liked and kind. His last act of helping others was to give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. James was united in marriage with Hope Cronquist on June 2, 2012, at Bertha. James was preceded in death by his grandparents Jim & Margaret McKnight, Bernard Ahlers, Sr; cousins Tasha Ahlers and Promise Ashley. He is survived by his wife Hope; children Jasmine of Yakima, WA, Liberty & Callin of Verndale, and Wyatt & Lane of Bertha; mother Marlene (Larry) Calhoun of Wadena; father Mike of Benson; sister Michelle McKnight and brother Tim McKnight both of Wadena; step-brothers Rob (Mary) Calhoun of Sauk Rapids, Michael Calhoun of Hypoluxo, FL, Chris (Heather) Calhoun of Sartell; grandmother Irene Ahlers; nieces Adrienne Mason, Brenna, Caitlyn & Megan McKnight and Courtney Calhoun; nephews Cody Mason, Jayden Cornell, and Jacob McKnight; great-nephew Anthony; aunts Donna (Jim) Petersen, Gloria (Dean) Templin, Nancy Ahlers, Debby (Gary) Ryan; uncles Bernie (Lisa) Ahlers Jr, Leroy (Joyce) Ahlers, Jesse Ahlers, Bob McKnight and Harold McKnight; along with numerous relatives and many friends. James is also survived by father-in-law and mother-in-law Duane & Connie Cronquist of Bertha; brother-in-law D.J. Cronquist of Bertha; along with sister-in-law Ashley Cronquist of Green Bay, WI. Honorary pallbearers will be all of James’ cousins and the Bertha Fire Department Members. Serving as pallbearers will be Ryan Tichy, Peter Graphenteen, Lee Horseman, Darrin Eggert, Nick French and Ryan Campbell. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery near Bertha, MN.

James McKnight

April 12, 1982 - February 3, 2014