Irene (Lodwig) Knull
Irene Annie Lodwig was born on July 5, 1944 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, to parents Julius Lodwig and Rosalia Lodwig. The family lived six miles south and half a mile east of Calmar. From grades one to six, Irene attended Humble School. After this, the family moved half a mile east and one mile north. Irene attended Michigan Centre School for grades seven to nine before attending Leduc High School for grades ten to twelve. Irene enjoyed playing games outside during recess and noon hour breaks, such as softball, kick the can, or ice skating.
On August 23, 1961, Irene married Dennis Knull. They lived on his farm, southwest of Millet. They had four children: Brenda, Tim, Wendy, and Terry. The farm had a dairy, as well as cattle and grain. Irene and Dennis ran all three areas until 1988, when Tim took over the dairy. While living on the farm, Irene and Dennis joined the Telford Community Club. They volunteered with the club for many functions held at the hall, such as suppers and dances, until 1998.
In November 1990, the Knulls moved to Millet, where they soon became members of the Millet and District Recreational and Agricultural Society. Irene started helping to cook Harvest Fair suppers, which she did for nine years. In 1999, she took over running the Harvest Fair Bench Show. To get more experience, Irene began going to as many bench shows as she could and talking with their organizers. In 2004, she proposed that the Ag Society support the cost of putting out a Bench Show book. This winter project took many months of writing, proofreading, and editing. With the help of granddaughter Kayla’s computer skills, the book was ready in time for the 2005 Bench Show. Irene was responsible for editing this book in the following years as the judges and directors changed. She was also in charge of finding sponsors to provide gift certificates for many of the categories. Irene was behind the inclusion of photography, vegetable, flower, poetry, writing, quilting and other handicraft sections, as well as an expanded craft section.
Over the years, Irene has volunteered for many Ag Society events, such as the Harvest Fair, Fun Money Casino, Christmas and Easter Bingos, and Dessert Night. She has held the positions of President, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-President, and was on the entertainment committee. Irene is still an active member of the Ag Society.
Irene has also hosted Viking Cup hockey players; two in 2004 and six in 2006. She was a volunteer with Communities in Bloom for sixteen years. In 2005, she won the Most Decorative Front Yard category. Irene has also adopted and cared for the Agriplex bed.
In her earlier years, Irene did a lot of canning and freezing from her huge garden, as well as a lot of baking, which is remembered very fondly by her grandchildren! She also decorated cakes for many birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings. Irene had always done a lot of sewing for herself, her children, and grandchildren. In 1992, Irene’s daughter opened a quilting store in Wetaskiwin. Irene worked in the store and soon began making quilts. Since then she has made many gorgeous quilts for her family, grandchildren, and friends.
Irene's contributions to the town of Millet and its many community groups have been invaluable.
IK064 - Irene and Connie in front of the Agriplex Bed, which they adopt and care for