Velma Lee Knierim

She was born on April 29 1929 in Colby, KS to Belden and Jean Billings Clark. She was the second of five children: Howard, Velma, Norva, Fay, and James (Jim). She married Duane Knierim on December 17, 1948. Rev. Knierim was an ordained pastor in The Wesleyan Church. He and Velma served churches in Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado. Velma was a homemaker and was very involved in her husband’s ministry as she enjoyed putting her gift of hospitality to use. The relationship she had, by faith, in Jesus Christ was supremely important to her, shaped her identity and informed her values. Her family was the source of great enjoyment and pride, especially her grandchildren. She opened her home to provide childcare to many children in Kansas and Colorado. They remember her fondly.

She is survived by two daughters: Sharon (Ed) Rotz of Topeka, KS and Sandi (Jon) Elsberry of Colorado Springs, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, a brother, James A. Clark of Independence, MO, and brother-in-law, Donald Knierim of Colorado Springs and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane Knierim, parents and three siblings: Howard Clark, Norva Phillips, and Fay Hogarth.

Her life will be celebrated and remembered at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 14, 2022 at Vanguard Church, 3950 N. Academy Blvd in Colorado Springs, CO. Visitation will precede the service at 9:00 AM at Vanguard Church. The service will be livestreamed from Vanguard’s Facebook page. She was cremated. Arrangements for final inurnment at Memorial Garden in Colorado Springs are pending. Memorial Garden is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bristol Hospice, 7660 Goddard St, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80920.