John Knudsen

Obituary for John Knudsen John George Knudsen, 95, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away on February 8, 2013, at Lily & Syringa Assisted Living. He was under the care of Hands of Hope Hospice. John was born Johannes George Knudsen in Salt Lake City Utah, on February 6,1918 to Johannes Christensen Knudsen and Ada Atkinson. He Graduated from South Salt Lake High school in Salt Lake, Utah in 1936. John attended the University of Utah for one year, focusing on pre-med classes. He worked as a hospital orderly before he accepted a full time mission call for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the South African Mission. On March 23,1942 John enlisted the U.S. Navy. He served as a Pharmacist Mate until he transferred for Naval Aviation Training. John received an honorable discharge of duty on January 4,1946. He received many medals including a Purple Heart for his service in the Philippines. John met his beautiful wife of 65 years, Goldia Ann McCourtney during his Naval Aviation Training. They were married on March, 7 1946 in the Salt Lake Temple. John was employed as the Salt Lake City Branch Manager for Ditto Incorporated of Chicago, Illinois for 20 years. When the company went out of business 1969, John returned to the University of Utah to get a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1973, John began his teaching career at Madison High school in Rexburg, Idaho teaching business. In 1974 John went to work for the Eastern Idaho Technical College as a marketing teacher and Coordinator of Adult Extension Services. He retired in 1983. He was an artist of wood, stained glass, oil and water colors. He spent many hours in his shop making beautiful gifts for his family and friends. John was an excellent carpenter and craftsman, continually finishing and remodeling their homes and fixing things for his family. John and Goldia loved the game of golf. For many years they enjoyed a home at Star Valley Ranch Country Club in Thayne, Wyoming and St George, Utah. They also traveled during their retirement, always happy to return to their home here in Idaho Falls to spend time with family and friends. John is survived by three children, Ada Jean (Bill) Killbury of Ojai, California; James Edward (Melony) of Magna, Utah; and Dan L. (Rhonda) Ammon Idaho; eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and several beloved nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife Goldia Ann, two sons, John George Jr. and Steven McCourtney, his parents, two brothers, Gordon and Earl and one sister, Mae Frank. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org/involved/donate/donateonlinenow/index, 1-800-227-2345, or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. The family will meet with friends in Idaho Falls from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday February 12, 2013 at Wood Funeral Home East Side (963 South Ammon Road). Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday February 14, 2013 at the St. George City Cemetery, St. George, Utah.

Visitation -- Tuesday

7 - 8:30 pm ,Tuesday, February 12, 2013 Wood Funeral Home East Side 963 South Ammon Road Idaho Falls, ID 83406 Notes: The family will meet with friends in Idaho Falls from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday February 12, 2013 at Wood Funeral Home East Side (963 South Ammon Road). Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday February 14, 2013 at the St. George City Cemetery, St. George, Utah.