Gerald (Jerry) Kenneth Knowles

Gerald (Jerry) Kenneth Knowles, 77, of Idaho Falls, passed away September 19, 2024, after a 6-year struggle with Lewy Body Dementia, at home under the care of family and Aspen Home Health and Hospice.

He was born September 7, 1947, in Ogden, Utah, the son of Kenneth and Doris Knowles. He has 4 siblings. He married Kristine Nielsen on August 21, 1969. They have 7 children, 23 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Jerry was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served 2 years in the Florida Mission as well as in many other positions including nursery leader, bishop, scouts, seventy, teacher, bishoprics, high council, coach, ward mission leader, young men and elder’s quorum president, and ministering brother.

He graduated from Bonneville High School (Ogden) in 1965 and received a Bachelor of Science from Weber State College in 1971, majoring in chemistry and math. He served in both the National Guard and Army Reserves and was called up for the Teton Dam Flood Disaster, for which he received a commendation.

His first job was at Harmon’s Café (Kentucky Fried Chicken). He worked at Smith’s Food King while attending college and began working for Westinghouse at the Navel Reactor Facility (NRF) at the INL in 1971 in radiological controls and was certified as a nuclear power engineer. He also worked for Allied Chemical as a radiochemist, Bechtel Bettis (Pittsburgh) as a principal scientist writing procedural manuals for NRF, and then Westinghouse and Bechtel NRF at the INL as a radiological control instructor and analytical support manager. He authored a published paper, receiving an award from NRF. He retired in 2011. Jerry then began tutoring math and science as a volunteer at Falls Valley and Ammon Elementaries as well as volunteering in the EIRMC Surgical Waiting room serving patients’ family and friends.

Jerry loved spending time with family and friends, building/running model electric trains, playing softball and basketball, coaching, building and repair work, car care, popcorn and root beer, and serving family, friends, and neighbors. He was hardworking, gentle, kind, and always reached out to those in need.

He is survived by his wife Kristine; daughter, April Crandall (Robert) of Idaho Falls; daughter, Gina Knowles of Sandy, Utah; son, Jim Knowles (Mary) of Magna, Utah; son, Rick Knowles (Gina) of Idaho Falls; daughter, Natalie Darling (Josh) of Edgewater, Florida; son, Jon Knowles (Leila) of Anchorage, Alaska; son, Steven Knowles (Rachel) of San Antonio, Texas; 2 sisters; 2 brothers; 23 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and 4 brothers-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Idaho Falls East Stake Center, 1860 Kerney Street, Idaho Falls. A viewing will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, September 27, 2024, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls, and one hour prior to the services. The interment will be at Lincoln Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.