Obituary of Merle Knigge

On Tuesday morning, October 1, 2013, long time Eugene resident Merle Thomas Knigge passed away peacefully in his sleep, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He was surrounded by his wife Mardell, family and loved ones. Merle was born in Mexico City, Missouri on October 28, 1929. His family moved to Oregon to farm the Roseburg valley when he was a young boy.He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at the Panama Canal during the mid-forties. On his off-duty days he loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle touring the countryside. In 1949 he married the love of his life, Mardell Pauline Kiesel from Tacoma, Washington. They were to celebrate their 64th Wedding Anniversary on Oct. 4th. Together they had four children. After the service Merle worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad for 41 years. He also worked a 2nd part time job for many years at Becraft’s Market on 5th and Blair.His hobbies were scuba diving, photography, archery, hunting, building model airplanes, and building forts and toys for his children. He was a good charcoal & pencil portrait artist. His favorite hobby was flying. He received his pilots license at the young age of 15. Later in life he was the proud owner of two small engine planes. Flying was his passion.He was an accomplished pistol competitor with the Eugene Gun Club. He was a proficient archer and a long time member of the Cascadian Bowmen. Merle and Mardell (Marty) owned and operated “Merle’s Archery” on Hwy. 99 & Roosevelt. He also sold scuba equipment. The shop eventually moved to Springfield on 14th & Main. They sold the business to spend more time with family, followed by retirement and traveling the United States with Mardell in their R.V. They moved to Arizona for a few years then came back to Oregon to be closer to family.He was proceeded in death by both of his parents, Roy & Bessie Knigge of Roseburg, his brother Roy David Knigge of Portland, sister Ruth Smith of CO. and his grandson Josh Rhoten of Soldotna, AK.He leaves behind his wife Mardell, daughters, Diana Keefe, husband Bill of Eugene, Corky Southworth, husband Karl of Junction City, Cindy Fugate, husband Doby of LaPine, son Brent Knigge, wife Terri of Veneta. His beloved grandchildren Jenny Rhoten of Beaverton, Justin McColl, wife Jacki of Oak Harbor WA., Chad Southworth of Lake Oswego, Blake Mitchell of LaPine, Jonathan Mitchell, wife Jennifer and great grandson Mason Mitchell of LaPine, Chad Knigge and Angela Knigge of Eugene.Per his request no service will be held. In leu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the Eugene Walk to End Alzheimer's being held Sunday Oct. 13th at Alton Baker Park. Checks can be sent to: Oregon Alzheimers Chapter Headquarters, 1650 Northwest Naito Parkway, Suite 190, Portland, Oregon, 97209. Please note on the check that donation is to be made in honor of Team “Merle Knigge”.Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com