Clifford James Knudtson 1948-2006

SEVERIDE, KNUDTSON, COOK

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 9/26/2006 at 19:09:19

Clifford Knudtson

Clifford J. Knudtson, 57, of Waukon, Iowa, died Monday, August 21, 2006, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Funeral services were held Thursday, August 24, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon, with Rev. Lynn G. Groe officiating. Burial with graveside military rites was in Rossville Cemetery, Rossville, Iowa. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon was in charge of arrangements.

Clifford James Knudtson was born October 23, 1948, in Waukon, the son of Floyd Clifford and Norma Orletta (Severide) Knudtson. Cliff was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon, where he remained a lifelong member. He attended the rural "Emmett School" in Union Prairie Township and graduated from Waukon High School in 1966. From 1969 until 1971 he served in the US Army with the 3rd Armored Division, seeing much of his duty in Germany as a tank operator.

Following his discharge, Cliff returned to Waukon, where on September 6, 1980, he married Sherry Cook at St. John's Lutheran Church. He started working after the service as a gravel truck driver for Cooney Construction in Waukon, which later became Bruening Rock Products. He stayed with the same company for a career that spanned nearly 35 years and was currently the manager of the Waukon Quarry for Bruening. He enjoyed his job and the people he worked with and took pride in helping to make sure things went right with every project.

Cliff was a member of the American Legion. He played softball when he was younger, enjoyed bowling, followed NASCAR racing, liked a good game of cards with his friends, and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Spending time outdoors and tending to the landscaping around the house were other favorite pastimes for Cliff. His friendly smile and willingness to help others made him many friends over the years, but he treasured most the time he could spend with his family.

Survivors include his wife Sherry of Waukon; two daughters, Kirby of Calmar and Kasey of Waukon; and two brothers, Wayne of Waukon and Gene of Palo, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Casketbearers were Lloyd Oakland, Steve and Mike Kubik, and Dennis, Danny and Kassidy Cook. His co-workers at Bruening Rock Products served as honorary casketbearers.

Waukon Standard, August 30, 2006