David Kindler

David Lynn Kindler, 85, of Ammon, passed away November 16, 2025, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

David was born January 2, 1940, to Donald William Kindler and Eileen Bjerke Kindler in the mountains of Cody, Wyoming. He enjoyed telling his children and grandchildren of his tales growing up in the small town, delivering newspapers on his bicycle, and, of course, Buffalo Bill. David graduated from Cody High School in 1958 and went on to become an X-ray technician to put himself through college, so he could earn a bachelor’s degree in his passion: history. After using his degree to be a teacher in Alaska, he decided to go back to school and earn a master’s degree in history with a minor in Political Science. During his studies, he met the love of his life, Donna Lee Grinstead. Smitten with each other, they were happily married in May of 1970, and earlier this year, they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

Upon completing his masters, they moved to Denver, Colorado, so David could be an X-Ray technician at Denver General Hospital. They moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, and in 1971 welcomed their first-born, Martha Eileen. Soon after they moved to Idaho Falls, David was offered a job at the LDS hospital as an x-ray tech. In 1974, they welcomed their son, Mark Logan, and in 1979 they received the best surprise and welcomed their youngest child, Emily Susan. David worked hard to provide for his family. In 1980, he started at the Nuclear Reactor Facility with the Idaho National Laboratory. During his 33 years there he worked nights and weekends as an x-ray tech at Bingham Memorial Hospital and Madison Memorial Hospital. In 2013, at the age of 73, he finally retired from the INL and spent his free time drinking coffee and keeping up with his grandchildren.

David loved being a father, but enjoyed being a grandfather even more, especially when he was able to spoil his grandchildren and teach them about history. David and Donna helped raise their three lovely granddaughters, Samantha, Misty, and Kylie. When their grandsons came along, Aydan, Dylan, Tysan, and Masyn, they had the great privilege of babysitting them while their parents worked. David was the giver of toys, pony rides, history lessons, personal chauffeur, and many adventures. David loved supporting his grandchildren’s passions and would be at every concert, play, and sporting event. David got to go on the trip of a lifetime with his granddaughter, Misty, when they went to Washington DC, to see history come to life. A few years later he had the amazing privilege to develop a deep love for his great-grandchildren and supply them with popsicles and Oreos to their hearts’ content. David had the special ability to get along with everyone and make a perfect cup of coffee. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, and loved to listen to classical and folk music.

David spent his final moments surrounded by his family before his untimely passing on Sunday, November 16, 2025. David taught his family that education is important, you work hard to support your family, and being kind to everyone matters.

He will be greatly missed by his family and is survived by his wife, Donna Lee; children, Martha Brockway (Scott), Mark Kindler (Diana), and Emily Bitter (Shawn); grandchildren, Samantha Mountain (Nathaniel), Misty Bills, Kylie Hall (Jake), Aydan, Dylan, Tysan, and Maysn Bitter; and his great-grandchildren, Emma, Eli, and Lydia Mountain.

David is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Judy Capron; brother, Doug Kindler; and his son-in-law, Scott Brockway.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 21, 2025, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.

Services will be broadcast live and condolences may be sent to www.woodfuneralhome.com.