Johannes van Knobelsdorff facts for kids
Johannes van Knobelsdorff (born September 19, 1917, died April 2, 2020) was an important Dutch politician. He was born in The Hague, a big city in the Netherlands. Mr. van Knobelsdorff spent many years working for the public, serving as a mayor in different towns and also holding a special job related to water management. He lived a very long life, passing away at the age of 102.
A Life in Public Service
Johannes van Knobelsdorff dedicated much of his life to serving the people of the Netherlands. He held important positions that helped local communities and managed vital water systems.
Becoming a Mayor
A mayor is the leader of a city or town. They help make decisions and manage local services. Johannes van Knobelsdorff served as a mayor in two different areas:
- From 1947 to 1961, he was the mayor of both Goedereede and Stellendam. These are towns located in the southwest of the Netherlands.
- Later, from 1961 to 1974, he became the mayor of Sassenheim. This town is closer to The Hague.
The Role of a Dijkgraaf
Besides being a mayor, Johannes van Knobelsdorff also held a special Dutch role called a Dijkgraaf. In the Netherlands, much of the land is below sea level. A Dijkgraaf is a very important official who leads a water board. Water boards are responsible for managing dikes, canals, and water levels to protect the land from floods. This job is crucial for keeping the Netherlands safe and dry.
A Long and Full Life
Johannes van Knobelsdorff was born on September 19, 1917. He lived a long and active life, contributing to his country through his political roles. He passed away on April 2, 2020, at the remarkable age of 102 years old.