Duane A Knudson

Duane A. Knudson, age 86, of Jamestown, ND, died Monday, February 8, 2021, peacefully and comfortably under hospice at Ave Maria Village of natural causes. Duane was a beloved husband, father, son, Uncle Duke, cousin, and friend. Duane was a kind, sweet, wise man dedicated to his family and community. He will be missed.

Duane Knudson, was born October 22, 1934, in Kensal, ND, to Walter and June (Frederickson) Knudson. Duane was the oldest of four Knudson brothers. Duane graduated from Pingree High School in 1953. On September 22, 1962, Duane was united in marriage to Lois Johnson Burkhardt at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND.

Duane and Lois raised four children in Jamestown, ND and they were actively involved with family, school and community arts and music, and church activities. Duane served on many boards and councils throughout his life at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Starting in 2000, Duane and Lois escaped the North Dakota winters, living in their winter home in Surprise, AZ. They enjoyed outings with other North Dakota snowbirds and Duane was an active gleaner, picking oranges and grapefruit for the Phoenix Food Bank.

Duane farmed and worked with farmers his whole life. Duane had seen a lot of changes in farming from working the fields as a young man with a team of horses to seeing GPS and computer controlled tractors and combines. Duane farmed with his brother Dale in Pingree, ND. When Duane retired from farming in the 1980s, he started his next career as a Multi-Peril Crop Insurance Adjuster traveling the tri-state area examining and assessing farmer’s crop losses.

In August 2008, Duane was crop adjusting in Minot ND and suffered a massive stroke. Duane survived his stroke and became a resident of Ave Maria Village in September 2008 for his rehabilitation and care until his death. Lois visited Duane daily at Ave Maria, sat with him during meals and got Duane ready for sleep each evening.

Duane is survived by his wife, Lois. His children, Dennis (Gloria) Burkhardt of Woodway WA, Corinne Vahle of St Paul MN, Cheryll (Jim) Bratvold of Big Timber MT, and Craig (Molla) Knudson of Plano TX. His brothers, Dale (Norine) Knudson of Pingree ND and Mark (Suzanne) Knudson of Horseshoe Bay TX. His grandchildren Kalin (Drew) Clark, Tierney Burkhardt, Lauren Knudson, and Sean Knudson.

Preceding Duane in death were his parents Walt and June Knudson and his brother, Dennis Knudson.

Memorial Service – 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 12, 2021 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Jamestown with Pastor Lucas Holsten officiating.  This service will be Livestreamed on this page, beginning 5 minutes before the service.

Burial - Sunset Memorial Gardens, Jamestown.

Please make memorials to Duane at his church; St. John’s Lutheran Church, 424 1st Ave S, Jamestown ND 58401. You can also remember Duane with a donation to your local food bank to help ease food insecurity in your community.

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