Merle Kneebone Obituary

Kneebone
Merle "Nick" William
Kneebone
August 3, 1922
April 26, 2024

Nick was born August 3, 1922 in Flandreau, South Dakota to Ruben and Hazel Kneebone.
Nick left high school before graduation to join the Army. He then went to Fort Ord, California with the 2nd Battalion 147th Field artillery December 1941. 1st stop. Pearl Harbor. They pulled out of Pearl just days before the attack of December 7, 1941.
Nick spent the next four years with the 158th Regimental Combat Team 'Bushmasters' fighting on the islands of the South Pacific-Brisbane, Darwin, Popieu, New Guinea, Luzon. What didn't Nick do? After the war he returned to Colton, South Dakota and bought a restaurant. Nick then moved to Colorado in the late 40s. Became involved and a colonel in the Colorado Mounted Rangers. Nick spent 30 years with Civil Service. Chief of Classification and wage for the last 20 of those years. He did logging in the mountains near Jefferson, Colorado. Nick started a tree farm nursery east of the Springs. Attended Colorado College. Met his wife, Betty, they would spend much of their time horseback in the mountains west of the Springs. They were married in Riodoso, New Mexico 1954. Nick and Betty bought a house in Black Forest in 1963. Where he lived for the next 60 plus years until the time of his passing.
Preceeded in death by his parents, his two brothers Marvin and Virgil. His 2 sisters Beverly and Althea and his wife of wife 40 years, Betty.
Nick is survived by his 2 daughters Mary Ellen and Carol. His two sons Mark and Paul. Step-daughter Cheri. 5 grandchildren, 3 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Great-great grandchild.
Services will be held Wednesday May 22, 24 11:00 at Church on the Ranch 3685 Jeannine Drive. The burial will be the following day, May 23, 24 of 11:00 at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery with full military honors.
In leiu of flowers please make a donation to the Pikes Peak Humane Society.