Loving father and grandfather, Carl died peacefully at the age of 84, on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, in the company of his youngest son, following a brief battle with brain cancer.
Carl Christian Kiilsgaard was born April 20, 1925, at Inkom, Idaho, to Chris and Martha Hunsaker
Kiilsgaard.
The family moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, in 1936 where Carl attended school and graduated from high school. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during World War II. Following his discharge in 1946, he enrolled at the University of Idaho, graduating in 1950. Serving in the Marine Reserves, that year he was called back to active duty during the Korean Conflict, and was released in 1952.
Carl worked for Albers Milling Company in Portland, Ore., and then for Fisher Flour Mill based in Seattle, and operated feed stores. Carl then entered the banking business for Washington National Bank of Washington for 10 years at Ellensburg, Yakima and Spokane. He later sold insurance and real estate for a time.
In February 1973, he accepted a position at the University of Idaho as director of the UI Foundation. During President Hartung's tenure, he became special assistant to the president in charge of promotion and fundraising - a position he held for the next five presidents, retiring in 1990. Six months later, President Elizabeth Zinzer called him out of retirement and he worked four more years. Four out of six of his children graduated from the University of Idaho. Carl had a deep love and loyalty to the University of Idaho.
Carl believed in people, and believed in leading by example.
Carl was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Moscow, served as a Boy Scout leader for 35 years, and was an avid Vandal Booster. As much as he loved planting and growing a garden every year, he loved his children and grandchildren more. He loved them deeply and took great pride in watching his family grow.
On March 2, 1951, he married Sharon Patricia O'Donnell in San Diego. She preceded him in death in 1981.
On June 9, 1984, Carl married June Ingram in Moscow. June died in September 2006.
Surviving are his sons, Kjel of Auburn, Wash., and Carl B. Kiilsgaard of Moscow. His daughters are Sina Kiilsgaard of Cottage Grove, Ore., Kirsten Tagaent of Aberdeen, Wash., and Deena Rauch of Moscow. He also leaves 10 grandchildren, along with a brother, Dane of Little Rock, Ark., as well as three sisters, Tedde Healey of Port Orchard, Wash., Joyce Hindman of Baker City, Ore., and Elene Rock of Las Vegas.
In addition to his wives, Sharon and June, a son, Sven Kerry Kiilsgaard, a brother, Thor Kiilsgaard, and sister Marco Kiilsgaard also died previously.
Carl once wrote, "I have overcome many struggles in my life and I have also lived a life full of wonderful memories."
May the love and peace of Christ be with you, Dad, we miss you already - your family and friends.
Memorials are suggested to the Kiilsgaard Endowment Fund at the First Presbyterian Church or to the Vandal Boosters.
The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the University of Idaho Kibbie Dome. The Rev. Norman Fowler of the First Presbyterian Church will officiate. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Marine Honor Guard. (Attendees needing assistance into the dome may enter on the east end.)
At Carl's request, cremation has taken place, and the urn placement will be next spring.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel, Moscow and online condolences may be left at www.shortsfuneralchapel.net or at www.rememberCarlK@aol.com.
