David Leslie Knode was the first child born to George and June (Erie) Knode on January 24th, 1952, in Riceville, Iowa. He was raised on their northeast Iowa farm with his three siblings, attended country school and graduated from Riceville Community High School in 1970. He was baptized and confirmed at the LeRoy Lutheran Church in LeRoy, MN. David earned his associate's degree at Waldorf College in Forest City, IA in 1972. Two years later, he received both his bachelor's degree at Iowa State University and his commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. In 1984 he earned his master's degree in computer science through the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio.
While stationed at Yokota Air Base, Tokyo, Japan, he met Keiko Goto, and they were married in Tokyo on January 22nd, 1980. They were blessed with two children, Anthony and Sayoko, who were his constant source of pride and joy. David served for twenty years in the Air Force as a C-130 pilot and staff officer, and retired in 1992 with the rank of Major. During his time in the Air Force he served in a variety of positions both at home and abroad including a tour of duty at command headquarters during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In 1997, David and his family moved to Bellevue, WA where he worked as a financial planner with Waddell and Reed.
David was an active member of numerous service and professional organizations and groups throughout his lifetime. In recent years, he enjoyed membership in the Military Officers Association of America, the National Financial Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, and serving as a board member of Trinity Lutheran College. He served and celebrated his faith at Grace Lutheran Church in Bellevue, WA.
In 2005, David was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. His courage, faith, resilience, strength, and determination during his six-year struggle with this disease were an inspiration to all who knew him, cared for him and loved him. He passed away at Overlake Hospital, Bellevue, WA, on October 21st, 2011.
David is survived by his beloved wife, Keiko, Bellevue, WA; son Anthony, New York City, New York; daughter, Sayoko, Boise, Idaho; father, George Knode, LeRoy, MN; brothers John (Connie) Knode, Riceville, IA; Steve (Glenda) Knode, Spring Valley, MN; and sister Sharon Bergan, LeRoy, MN. David was preceded in death by his mother, Marion (June) Knode. A Celebration of Life will be held on November 12th at 2:00 o'clock at Grace Lutheran Church in Bellevue, WA.
David was a loving husband and father, a patriot, and a faithful follower of his Lord. Now free from pain and suffering, he safely rests in the loving arms of God. He will be missed.
"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" Matthew 25.23
I had the privilege of serving on the Trinity Lutheran College Board of Directors with David. We worked together on advancement where he was a wonderful source of inspiration, strength, creativity and keen intellect, all with a calm, steady approach. He will be missed. God's peace to his family.
We met David when he was volunteering at the Greenwood Senior Center. My mom needed a financial adviser at the time. David was the kindest, sweetest, calmest, and most sincere man and my mom felt reassured when David offered to help her. Through the years, he has called her to make sure she was doing ok and even came out to Northgate to see her. He was a wonderful person and we will miss him.
David Knode was a fine man who was friendly and kind to us. And we knew he was considerate and helpful to others.
At Grace church, he was a leader and important in church matters. He will be missed by all the people who knew him and were his friends.
As a fellow member of the 345th family I too had the honor of flying with Dave. Always the gentleman and always concerned for his crew's well being. Those times I served as the loadmaster on his crew he always made me feel special. As a cancer survivor I can also identify in part with what he's been through. Rest easy Sir.
I am proud to have "grown up" with Dave at Yokota as copilots and young aircraft commanders. He was a good friend and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
David and I were in the same group of close friends at Yokota. As everyone knows Dave had a very gentle, kind spirit, as well as a great sense of humor. I loved his seemingly constant simle and little laugh. Dave is one of those people that always remains with you in a special place in your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
David was a wonderful man to know. My prayers and thoughts are with you. He will be missed.
I still remember a pleasant train ride I took with David from Fussa Station to Ome one afternoon while we were stationed at Yokota, during which David took pictures of the beautiful green countryside. Rest in peace David and God bless you.
Loved ones live on in words they said, in lives they touched, and in the happiness we feel every time we remember them.
David was a friend and compatriot and will be sorely missed by all that know him.
Rest in Peace Dave.
An inspiraton to many and loved by all!
It was an honor to know and work with Dave (at Yokota). He was always the model of patience, honor, and understanding. May he rest in peace with our Lord.
We were honored to know David and will miss him. Prayers and hugs to all of you.
Margaret, Daniel, Joshua and Sachiko
Rest in comfort and the joy of Jesus.
There are no words, just prayers.
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