Paul C. Knodel

Paul Christian Knodel

(March 25, 1934 – March 25, 2026)

Paul was born and grew up on the farm homesteaded by his grandfather. He graduated from Bethune High School in 1951 and worked on the farm until 1957, when he decided to go to college. He graduated from Colorado A&M, now Colorado State University, in 1962 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked for the Bureau of Reclamation for over 30 years.

Paul and his wife, Mildred (Millie), made the most of retirement. They loved to travel the back roads of America, visiting all fifty state capitals and enjoying many small-town festivals and celebrations. There weren’t many days Paul didn’t work in his shop. He and Mille made thousands of wood crafts, including birdhouses, stools, whirligigs, boxes and other toys, donating them to the Ronald McDonald House.

Paul is survived by his wife Mildred and three sons --- Jon, Mike and Jim. He has a wonderful daughter-in-law, Sherrie and two granddaughters – Shauna and Kayleigh. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Paul donated his body to science. A celebration of life and burial will take place at the cemetery at Congregational Church in Bethune, Colorado, sometime in late summer or early fall.

Paul loved his job with the Bureau of Reclamation but his heart was always on the farm.