Donald Eugene Kohls

Donald Eugene Kohls, 88 year old Yreka resident, passed away on November 21, 2021 after complications following a fall in his home. He was born on August 9, 1933 on the farm in Elbowoods, North Dakota. His father, Arnold (from Germany), and mother, Mary Elizabeth (Elsie)(from Luxembourg) along with brothers Clem, Joseph, Robert, and sisters Celine, Maddie and Teresa welcomed him into the world. Teresa is the only surviving sibling. When he was young, the family moved to a farm near Parshall, North Dakota. The original farm is under water from the building of Lake Sakakawea. Don went to school in Parshall and graduated from Parshall High in 1951. Don worked on the farm with his dad, then attended some college at North Dakota State University in Fargo. In 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. In 1957, he was granted an Honorable Discharge from the Army. He went back home to help his dad work the farm. In 1961, Don married Joyce Burke in Parshall. Together they had one daughter. The family moved to Yreka, where his brother and cousin were living. The couple divorced in 1990. Don started his construction career working on the Box Canyon Dam in Mount Shasta. Through his work he learned the art of drilling and blasting with dynamite. He held one of a very few specialized licenses for handling dynamite in the United States. Some of the projects he worked on included Lost Creek Dam, Applegate Dam and Interstate 5. He also worked in Alaska, Oregon, Washington and Idaho doing drilling and blasting. Don was a member of Knights of Columbus (Knight of the Year in 2008), St. Joseph Catholic Church, Circle 'N Square and the Eagles Club in Medford, Oregon. He loved to help with the Hot Meals program at the Senior Center in Yreka. He had many interests throughout his life, including fishing, hunting, gold mining, dancing, gardening and raising earthworms. Don is survived by his daughter, Deborah Jorgensen and son-in-law Dennis, grandsons Christopher, Aaron and Kevin, their spouses and two great grandchildren. A rosary will be recited on Friday, March 25, 2022 at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Yreka, followed by a memorial mass at 11:00 AM. Inurnment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Madrone Hospice, 255 Collier Circle, Yreka, CA 96097 or to Rescue Ranch in Yreka, or a charity of your choice.

Donald Eugene Kohls

August 9, 1933 - November 21, 2021