Donald Kilian, Sr.

On Wednesday, July 8, 2020, Donald R. Kilian Sr., a lifelong resident of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Schneidmiller Hospice House.

Donald was born on Nov. 6, 1929, in Coeur d’Alene, to Charles and Dena Kilian. He was the youngest of four children.

Don was a jack-of-all-trades; an entrepreneur. From being a Veteran of the Korean War with an honorable discharge to delivering coal, working for the Diamond International Mill and Pepsi-cola, to managing the Playland Pier in the 1960s, as well as starting a tree spraying company, driving the first set of triple trailers from Spokane through North Idaho to Montana, working for Kilian’s Corner Grocery, and forming the Cordalco Company — there wasn’t anything Donald couldn’t do.

Don married Winifred M. Holt on Feb. 24, 1949, in Coeur d’Alene. They were married happily for 67 years and had three sons together. In those years, they spent their time in Coeur d’Alene and Bayview, Idaho. They enjoyed the wilderness, bird watching, mushrooming and boating on Lake Pend Oreille. They were known to keep their doors open, always welcoming their sons and friends with open arms.

In his later years, Don was lucky enough to find a partner-in-adventure in Shirley Augustine. They spent their time zip-lining in Vegas, rafting the Colorado River, hiking the Grand Canyon, and enjoying their time being snowbirds. Don wasn’t afraid to try anything. He packed more life in the last several years than most people do in a lifetime.

Don had such a thirst for life; truly a busybody. He had an affinity for gold-panning, collecting coins, restoring his BMW Isetta, traveling and spending time with family and friends. He was loved dearly by everyone that was lucky enough to come in contact with him. Don left a mark on everyone he met and was an incredibly special man.

Don is preceded in death by both parents, two brothers, a sister and his wife.

Don is survived by his three sons (Don, Tim, and Jerry) and their wives (JoAnne, Joanne, and Trish) as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and the last Kilian in North Dakota — Bill Kilian.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2020, at the English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Schneidmiller Hospice House are welcome. A special thanks to the Hospice House, for their extraordinary care and comfort in Don’s last weeks of life.

He will be missed dearly and loved forever.