Carl Christian Kiilsgaard, 84

Carl Christian Kiilsgaard, 84, of Moscow, Idaho, died peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 6., 2009, following a brief battle with brain cancer.

Carl was born April 20, 1925, in Inkom, idaho, to Chris and Martha Hunsaker Kiilsgaard.

The family moved to District 5, Bonners Ferry, in 1936. Carl graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1943 and joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during World War II.

Following his discharge in 1946, Carl enrolled at the University of Idaho, graduating in 1950. After graduation, he played professional football briefly for the Chicago (now Arizona) Cardinals before being called back to active duty during the Korean Conflict. He was released in 1952.

Carl worked in the milling and banking industries for several years and then in 1973 he accepted a position at the University of Idaho as director of its foundation.

During president Hartung’s tenure, Carl became special assistant to the president in charge of promotion and fundraising, and was instrumental in building the Kibbe Dome.

Carl was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Moscow and was a Boy Scout leader for 35 years. He was always an avid Vandal Booster.

On March 2, 1951, Carl married Sharon Patricia O’Donnell. She preceded him in death in 1981.

In June 1984, Carl married June Ingram in Moscow. She died in September 2006.

Surviving are his sons Kjel of Auburn, Wash., and Carl B. of Moscow; daughters Sina of Cottage Grove, Ore., and Kirsten Tagaent of Aberdeen, Wash.; stepdaughter Deena Rauch of Moscow; 10 grandchildren; a brother, Dane, of  Little Rock, Ark.; sisters Tedde Healy of Port Orchard, Wash., Joyce Hindman of Baker City, Ore., and Elene Rock  of Las Vegas.

A brother, Thor, and sister, Marco, preceded Carl in death.

A memorial service was held Oct. 10 at the Kibbe Dome. At Carl's request, cremation has taken place and urn placement will be next spring.  

Memorials are suggested to the Kiilsgaard Endowment fund or Vandal Boosters.