Wes Knodel, 1955 — 2021

Wes Knodel, 66, of Salem, passed away on August 13, after a long battle with ALS.

Wes was born in Stayton, Oregon, in 1955. He was the oldest of his siblings. After graduating high school, he went on to study at Arizona Automotive Institute in Phoenix.

His love for building cars began in 1970. He attended many races, mostly at the Woodburn Raceway. Wes spent nearly 30 years working in the automotive industry before changing careers.

He spent his last 20 years hosting gun shows all over Oregon and Washington. Wes supported many organizations beginning with Albany Rifle & Pistol Club and the NRA (National Rifle Association). He later joined several gun clubs throughout Oregon and maintained friendships with many other gun affiliates. He was loved by all and well known in both the automotive and gun communities.

Wes spent most of his time off traveling the entire country. His most memorable trips were in his classic ’78 Camaro as he traveled the entire Route 66.

Wes was predeceased by his two sisters, Carolyn and Connie. Wes is survived by his father, Jim Knodel; mother, Alice Zurcher (Don); siblings, Laura Knodel, Ron Zurcher (Alina), Karen Elder (Scott) and Sam Zurcher; children, Kendra Perez (Josh Alsterberg), Serena Hall & Kirk (Pam) Tyler; his grandchildren, Jacob Perez, LJ Alsterberg, Breanna Tyler, Brayden Tyler, Carter Tyler, Ambriel Hall, and Aurora Hall; Wes’s stepsiblings, extended family; and many friends and associates.