Kenneth Eric Knigge 

Kenneth Eric Knigge, 48, of Martinez, Calif., formerly of Nampa, 
Idaho, died June 27, 2009, from injuries sustained in a skydiving 
accident in Davis, Calif. Services will be at the Nampa 
Seventh-day Adventist Church Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. Ken was born in 
CaldweII to Harry and Karel Knigge. Ken graduated from Vallivue 
High School, then got an associate's degree from Diablo Valley 
College in California. He married Teresa Wickel of Albion; they 
had a beautiful daughter, Nekelle. They later divorced. He 
married Denice Gendron and they had a beautiful daughter, 
Courtney. They later divorced. Ken worked at Peerless Lighting 
the last several years, then became unemployed like so many now. 
Ken gave a 100 percent according to his former employer, always 
going above and beyond any expectation. Ken died doing what he 
loved - SKYDIVING! Although there wasn't a sport he didn't try, 
except bull riding, that was on his bucket list. He enjoyed being 
outside, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, kayaking, climbing, 
co-piloting a MIG jet, climbed Mt. Whitney last fall. Ken did so 
many special things for everyone he knew. He prayed for everyone 
he met. He was quick to help anyone in need, always a gentleman 
to the ladies, helping lady skydivers into the plane. So many 
things he did, not enough room to write them all down. He was a 
member of the Creekside Church in Martinez, taking Courtney as 
much as he could. He loved the Lord. Always thinking of others. A 
friend said, "Ken changed my life." Ken will be sorely missed by 
his beloved daughters, Nekelle (Steven) Smith and grandson, 
Kaiden; Courtney Knigge; his mother, Karel, father, Harry 
(Lorraine); his brothers, Randy (Joleen), Don, Jim, sister Karen 
(Mitch) Davis; stepsisters Jolene (Scott); Jacqueline (Damon) and 
Beth. He is also survived by numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, 
nieces, nephews; special friend Catherine, new love Julie, as 
well as numerous others, whose lives he has touched. Ken believed 
in "paying it forward," so the next time you drive over a toll 
bridge, pay for the person behind you. A great quote fits his 
life, "It's not how many breaths you take, it is how many moments 
take your breath away." In lieu of flowers, donate to your 
favorite charity. This is what Ken would have wanted done, as he 
was such a giving person. Ken, we'll see you in the resurrection! 
Praise God! 

Published in Idaho Statesman on 7/25/2009