Search by Name

Search by Name

Donald Oliver Knodell

1930 - 2017

Donald Oliver Knodell obituary, 1930-2017, Eagle, ID

FUNERAL HOME

Bowman Funeral Parlor - Garden City

10254 W Carlton Bay Dr

Garden City, Idaho

Donald Knodell Obituary

Donald Oliver Knodell
1930-2017
Donald "Don" Oliver Knodell was born in Enterprise, Oregon to Clayton Leroy Knodell and Isel Hunter Knodell Hug on Aug. 1, 1930. He died Jan. 2, 2017 while shoveling snow - ending his life as he lived it, taking care of home and family, and not knowing he had any limitations. Don's father died when he was 11. He and his older brother William "Bill" Clayton Knodell worked to help support the family, and witnessed the strength and independence of their mother (who worked as newspaper reporter and city judge). He graduated from Enterprise High School in 1948 and remained lifelong friends with all his classmates. He had stories of his pioneer family, hunting adventures, and childhood mischief from every corner of Wallowa County, where he returned annually. He attended Oregon State University on a track scholarship and graduated in 1952 as an ROTC colonel. He served as a first lieutenant in the Air Force in Japan during the Korean War. After his service, he attended the University of Oregon for graduate work in accounting. He married Mary Coon Knodell in the St. Johns Cathedral in Spokane on June 22, 1957. They celebrated 59 years of marriage. They raised three beloved children he was very proud and supportive of. The family moved several times for Don's career, living in Portland, Walla Walla, and Boise. He worked 8 years in Portland for Price Waterhouse & Co. where he became a CPA (passing on his first exam) and audit manager. He joined Boise Cascade in 1964 and founded its internal audit department in 1965. During his 21-year tenure there he worked in many management positions and functions. He was a mentor and friend to many of his colleagues. He successfully petitioned the state accounting commission so that his staff members could qualify to take the CPA exam based on their work experience. Don retired in 1985 at age 55. He enjoyed investing, gambling trips to Nevada, international travel, mushroom hunting, meals out with his wife, lunch and poker with friends, cultural festivals, and watching the golfers at Eagle Hills. Don took great pride and care in providing for his family. He was a caretaker, cheerleader, short order cook; a Republican who supported women's and gay rights, and a devoted husband and father who was always busy with something. He was president of the Eagle Hills #3 Homeowners Association for over 30 years, and served as treasurer at the time of his passing. Don was preceded in death by his oldest son Mark in 2001. He is survived by his wife Mary, of Eagle. Idaho; by his brother Bill Knodell of Portland, Ore; and by his children Kristi Knodell (wife Kristin Kinnamon) of Marysville, Wash.; and Scott Knodell of Boise, Idaho. Services will be at 3 p.m. April 21, 2017 at Boise Unitarian Universalist Church, 6200 Garret St., Garden City. Interment at Idaho Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

Published by Idaho Statesman on Jan. 8, 2017.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Knodell

Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.

Not sure what to say?





May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family today and always.

American Heart Association

January 9, 2017

HR Knodell

January 9, 2017

HR Knodell

January 9, 2017

HR Knodell

January 9, 2017

HR Knodell

January 9, 2017

HR Knodell

January 9, 2017

HR Knodell

January 9, 2017

HR Knodell

January 9, 2017

HR Knodell

January 9, 2017

HR Knodell

January 9, 2017

HR Knodell

January 9, 2017

HR Knodell

January 9, 2017

HR Knodell

January 9, 2017

We are remembering a lovely afternoon with Don and Mary in their home. The invitation was for lunch, prepared by Kristi and Kristin, and to watch the Tour de France on the big screen TV. We send our condolences to Mary, Kristi and Don's entire family on his passing to the spirit realm of accomplished world citizens. Elena and Steve, Boise

Elena Rodriguez

January 8, 2017

Special blessings for beautiful Mary Katherine and her family at this very difficult time.

Mary Ellen Copner

January 8, 2017

We would like to send our love to Mary, Bill, Kristi and Kristin, and Scott. Don sounds like an amazing man.

January 8, 2017

I worked for Don at Boise Cascade in the early 1970s. He was wonderful to work for - always supportive and generous, with a great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

Ann Baird

January 8, 2017

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
in Donald Knodell's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Donald Knodell

Apr

21

Service

3:00 p.m.

Boise Unitarian Universalist Church

6200 Garret St, Garden City, ID

Funeral services provided by:

Bowman Funeral Parlor - Garden City

10254 W Carlton Bay Dr, Garden City, ID 83714

How to support Donald's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Donald Knodell's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more