Obituary of Calvin Arthur Knight

His family includes his wife, “Bernie”; daughter, Crystal Kelley of Auburn, Alabama; and his son, Calvin Kendall Knight and his wife, Maureen of Mercer Island, Washington. A constant connection with grandson, (Crystal’s son) Collin King and his wife, Katie of Birmingham, Alabama; along with Calvin and Maureen’s daughters, Monica Knight of Portland, Oregon and Emily Knight of Mercer Island, Washington completed his enjoyable life. Cal survived his last years of life through health problems with an inner strength and support of friends and family. Cal was born in Hedrick, Iowa July 8, 1917, the son of Leonard and Gladys Knight. His early years and high school were spent in Sigourney, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University in the School of Architecture and Engineering. He was a practicing Architect in the firm of Toenjes and Knight, Waterloo, Iowa in the early 1940’s. Following this Cal was an Engineer during his war years service with E.I. du Pont de Nemours in the construction of nuclear plants in Washington State. Following this Cal and his family moved to Iowa City, Iowa in 1956 and was President of the Viggo M. Jensen Co. involved in the building of many large buildings in the Iowa City area and other locations. Cal and Bernadine Knight were married January 20, 1940, in Waterloo, Iowa and were blessed with two children, Crystal and Calvin “Ken” Knight. Having almost sixty-three years together, they were able to share many common interests. An Eagle Scout, Cal worked with the Boy Scouts of America in many phases as a leader and fulfilled whatever area he was needed in. Son, Calvin and Grandson, Collin followed in his footsteps as Eagle Scouts. A certificate stating “Goellner Award to Cal and Bernie Knight, Dedicated Conservationist, hard Workers for Service to the Cedar Rapids Audubon Club” hangs above his desk. Finding and identifying many birds in the United States and foreign countries was his recreation along with walking trout streams in Northeast Iowa. Away from his chosen profession, the outdoors was a great joy to him. Cal was a dedicated member of the Audubon Club, Iowa City Birders, Eastern Iowa Birdwatch, Iowa Ornithologist Union, served as a Board Member of the Oaknoll Retirement Residence, was a member of the Quarterback Club, Rotary Club, Master Builders of Iowa, and involved in many areas of the community. Cal’s family is grateful for the kindness and professional care provided through Iowa City Hospice in his final days. Memorial donations can be made in his memory to Iowa City Hospice.