John "Jerry" Kneeland

1951 - 2019

John "Jerry" Kneeland passed away peacefully at his home in Arlington, WA, on August 28, 2019 with his family by his side. Jerry was born in Seattle, WA, on May 27, 1951 to Don and Betty Kneeland. He spent most of his younger years in the Edmonds, WA, area. He attended Edmonds Schools and graduated from Edmonds High School in 1969. After high school he joined the US Army and served in Viet Nam. Jerry worked at GM Nameplate in Seattle for 40 years. Owner Don Root and his family were like a second family. Jerry enjoyed the challenges of the different positions he held. He retired in 2013. When you met Jerry, you were a friend for life. Jerry loved classic muscle cars which drew him to become a member of the Thursday Night Garage Association and the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America where he made hundreds of friends who shared his passion for cars, life… and breakfast! Prior to getting back into muscle cars, Jerry enjoyed boating and owned several, sometimes more than one at a time. Fun times were had boating in the San Juan Islands but more time was spent on Lake Roosevelt with friends, family and the Red Dog Rattle Snake Yacht Club. Jerry leaves behind his loving wife of 40 years, Carla (Nicholson), sons, Steve Gonvers (Julie) and Jimmy Kneeland, daughter, Tiannya Bertram (Chase); grandchildren, Zed and Jaden Gonvers, Candace and Brayden Rudin, Tyler and Luke Kneeland, Sadie Bertram; brother, Robert Kneeland and sister, Amanda Drye (Brad), Aunt Ruth, and too many very close friends and family to list. You know who you are! Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Betty; son, William, and sister, Heidi Mansfield, brother, Karl Kneeland, and beloved, mother-in-law, Angie Nicholson. Carla would like to thank all of our wonderful friends and family who put together a welcome home for Jerry on August 20, 2019 with classic cars, cheers, siren and lots of love. It was a very special day for Jerry. The last week of Jerry's life was spent at home surrounded by the love of family, friends, his dog, Cooper and cat, Polecat. We want to thank the wonderful staff of Providence Hospice and the Veterans Administration who were here daily to provide care for Jerry and support his family. This was the most painful and love-filled time of our lives together. Jerry had a zest for life, overcoming many health issues with his favorite saying "It is what it is" Always knowing he would make it through and continue enjoying ever day to its fullest. A celebration of Jerry's life will be held September 21, 2019 at the 92nd Street Church of Christ, 4226 92nd Street NE, Marysville, WA at 11:00 am. Following the service there will be a luncheon in the fellowship hall of the church.