Donald Knudsen

Donald L. Knudsen, 72, of Atlantic, Iowa passed away Wednesday, January 19, 2011, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital.

Don was born March 23, 1938, in Atlantic, Iowa, the son of Christy and Mable Amanda (Clemsen) Knudsen. As a child, Don was baptized and confirmed into Saint Paul's Lutheran Church. He graduated from Atlantic High School in 1956. Following graduation, he went to work for the D.O.T. Don retired after 29 years of working as a safety coordinator for A.M. Cohron and Son. Don served in the National Guard for a number of years and served on the Atlantic Fire Department for 20 plus years. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge for many years.

On April 18, 1959, Don married the love of his life, Pauline Andersen of Elk Horn. They had three children, Mark, Kirk and David. Don was a lifelong resident of Atlantic.

When not spending time with family and friends, Don's favorite pastimes were fishing and hunting.

Don is survived by his wife, Pauline (Andersen) Knudsen and children, Mark (Jodie), Knudsen, Kirk (Joni) Knudsen and David (Laurie) Knudsen all of Atlantic; five grandchildren, Chris (Amber) Knudsen, Tarah (Jeff) Anderson, Nick, Jake and Michaela Knudsen all of Atlantic; two step-grandchildren, Joel (Greta) Farley of Worthington, MN and Lesley Farley of Atlantic; two great-grandchildren, Madelyn and Colton Anderson of Atlantic; sister, Shirley Law of Atlantic; several nieces and nephews; and many great friends.

Memorial services will be held Friday, January 21, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Atlantic, Iowa, with a luncheon following the memorial service in the church fellowship hall. Family will be present one hour prior to the memorial service. Cremation has taken place and burial of cremains will be at a later date.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.