Donald Clayton Knodel

It is with great sadness that on November 11, 2014, our father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away. He was the anchor of the Knodel family and will be missed. Donald Clayton Knodel was born in Chasely, ND and raised in Hurdsfield, ND. He was one of 8 children and lived there until he joined the Navy, where he served in World War II on the USS Howard W. Gilmore. He came home and married Audrey Jean Kelm, his wife of 64 years. Together they took a leap of faith and with their two young children moved from ND, to West Seattle where they lived out the rest of their lives.

Don owned and operated Don’s Barber Shop on California Ave. for 45 years. He was an avid sportsman his whole life, playing baseball and basketball in school, then in the men’s league in ND. Moving to W.S. he became a regular bowler at the W.S. Bowl, poker player and was involved with the W.S. Little League Baseball as a coach and umpire. He and Audrey were Totems hockey season ticket holders and original Seahawks season ticket holders. Fishing was his true passion with trips to Canada and up at Timberlakes. Don loved having family and friends around him, whether it was playing cards, dancing or just sitting around telling stories and laughing.

Lot’s of laughing....

Preceded in death by his wife Audrey, 3 brothers Durward, Al, Andy, 2 sisters, Doris and Joyce. He is survived by his children Dwight (Nik), Kath (Kelly), Pam (Tom) grandchildren Erin, Damon, Tyler, Ian, Kaley, 6 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters Opal, Irene and countless friends and family who will miss, but never forget him.