Knudsen, Howard 1912-2008

KNUDSEN, PIERCE, PAGE, PORT

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 10/15/2008 at 23:29:38

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, October 15, 2008

Howard Knudsen, 96, of Merrill, died Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, at Floyd Valley Hospital in Le Mars.

Howard Wayne Knudsen was born Feb. 8, 1912, on the family farm southeast of Kingsley, the eldest of eight children to Andrew and Vera (Pierce) Knudsen. He attended country school near Kingsley. Following his schooling, he helped his family on the farm.

He was united in marriage to Violet Page on Aug. 27, 1934, in Sioux City. Howard continued farming and in the spring of 1936, they moved to a farm near Moville, and later that year, they moved to a farm near Merrill, where he was still residing. Howard farmed and milked cows until his wife became ill. Violet died Nov. 9, 1977.

When Howard was not busy farming, he also worked various jobs in the area, including the Le Mars Sales Barn, janitor at Kluckhohn Elementary school, City of Le Mars, and Cargill Grain. Howard was also a craftsman, doing all sorts of carpentry work for many years. He also served as director of Sioux City Milk Producers Association.

On June 16, 1979, he married Minnie Port. They delivered the Le Mars Shopper for many years. Minnie died Nov. 30, 2002.

Howard enjoyed being around children. He drove the kid's train at the Plymouth County Fair and other celebrations for many years, something he looked forward to every year. He was actively involved with Santa's Palace in Le Mars. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his daughter, Judy Ann Schulz of Le Mars; a granddaughter, Sheila (Randy) Britt and their children, Clint and Aleisha of Le Mars; two brothers, Vern (Margaret) Knudsen of Moville, and Charles (Margaret "Peg") Knudsen of Kingsley; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives; a son-in-law: Oscar W. Schulz; two brothers and their wives: Russell (Arloa) Knudsen and Glenn (Lola) Knudsen; three sisters and their husbands. Thelma (George) Taylor, Ruth (LeRoy) Hartman, and Vera (Everett) Thompson; and two sisters-in-law, Lorna Knudsen and Lois Knudsen.

Memorial services will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars. The Rev. Dan Krause of Le Mars Assembly of God Church will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in Resthaven Memory Gardens in Le Mars. Per his wishes the body has been cremated. Visitations with the family present will be from 3 p.m. until service time Thursday at the funeral home.