Kerry W. Knorr, 62, passed away on November 23, 2021, at Central Washington Hospital, due to a severe COVID-19 infection. He was the son of William (Bill) Knorr and Eleanor (Gail) Knorr. He is survived by; his parents; his sister, Holly (Jim) Barnes; niece, LeighAnne Barnes; Uncles Gordon (Alice) Knorr & Seth (Barb) Franzman; and many cousins. He is preceded in death by; his grandparents, Ted & Greta Knorr and Pete & Alberta Franzman; and his sister, Janet Anne Knorr. He was a much-loved brother and son, and a faithful servant of God.

Kerry was born in Kremmling, Colorado on March 6, 1959. Kerry became a Christian at a very young age and served God his entire life in all his various pursuits. Kerry loved sports. He turned out for football and basketball, despite a debilitating back injury. He became team trainer for the Tonasket teams after a tractor accident broke his leg. 4H and FFA were also a big part of his life, from conservation to showing cattle and sheep. Kerry was an excellent showman and won many championships. He was a rancher his whole life, and learned about hard work early on at the Knorr Brothers Ranch and later growing into an adult at his family ranch in Loomis, Washington.

Kerry was an avid musician who played several instruments. He pursued a music major in college. After college, he became a Certified Arborist and worked in that field for 20 years at his own business. During that time he was also a referee for High School and College basketball. A joy of his was being involved with Hoopfest in Spokane from its inception.

Later on, he spent some time as a counselor for Daybreak Youth Services in Spokane, and he spoke kindly of people he met there. He was known as Uncle Kerry to many more than just his niece. Then, for a while, he was the owner/operator of a courier service and drove from Spokane to Tonasket daily for several years. He was much enjoyed as always for his humor and sense of responsibility. Eventually, he found a career that joined his passion for God with his daily work at Elijah House, a Christian publishing company in Idaho. He also was involved at Embyrs Church in Coeur D'Alene, where he taught in a community he loved.

"In 2003/04, Kerry began attending what was then known as The Gateway in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Even though he was a quieter and unassuming man, it didn't take long before he became an integral part of the Gateway community. Over the years, the longer he was in the family, the more he served in a wide variety of areas of ministry. He truly was a servant's servant. Kerry was a gifted teacher and a prolific writer, a deep well of wisdom and insight on a broad spectrum of faith and everyday life. He served as usher, Pastoral Care Team member, teaching the interns (TNT), overseer of a discipleship training school called F.I.T., Forerunners in Training, young adult mentor, lovingly referred to as "Uncle Kerry'', a hidden life coach, sound technician, Pastor John's right-hand man and an amazing brother.Any event or activity at the church, you could ALWAYS be assured that Kerry, if not working, would be there.

Kerry was that one person who made the world a better place to live. Certainly a light has gone out here that will be sorely missed."

-John Filler, Kerry's close friend

In 2019, Kerry moved back to Tonasket to help his elderly parents. It was his desire that they be able to live out their lives in their own home, and the whole family enjoyed having him back home. During this time, he became very active in the Okanogan County Republican Party. Kerry continued to make new friends wherever he went, as well as entertain friends from all walks of life with his truly groan-worthy posts on social media.

A memorial will be held on December 11th at Noon at the Loomis Community Church, and a second will be held at Embyrs Church in Coeur D'Alene on December 18th and 1PM. Both will be livestreamed for those who can't attend. Donations may be made to Loomis Community Church, The Okanogan Republican Party, or an organization of your choice that best honors his memory.