Kenneth Knudson, a farmer, rancher, educator and legislator, 82, Taylor, died Saturday, December 12, 2009 at the St. Luke’s Home, Dickinson. Kenneth’s funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at Taylor Lutheran Church, Taylor, with Rev. Bob Wittstruck officiating. Interment will follow at Pioneer Cemetery, Taylor with military honors provided by the Taylor VFW Post #7438. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday at Ladbury Funeral Service and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. There will be a prayer service at 7 p.m., Tuesday at Ladbury Funeral Service.
Kenneth Knudson was born November 9, 1927 on the Knudson Ranch in Stark County to Knute and Evaline (Hendrickson) Knudson. He graduated from Taylor High School at the age of 16 and went on to graduate from St. Olaf College in 1948. He taught high school in Dunn Center from 1948 to 1950. Kenneth entered the United States Army and served in Korea until 1952. In 1952 –1953 he taught in Denhoff and later Ken taught in Taylor where he also served as the High School Principal.
Ken represented District 38 in the House of Representatives from 1965 to 1987. He was Chairman of the House Education Committee for several terms. The Coal Severance Tax & Mine Reclamation issues were of interest because of his concern for the land owners.
Ken was baptized, confirmed and a life long member of Taylor Lutheran Church, the VFW, American Legion and Farm Bureau. For many years he served as Official Scorer for the Taylor High School Basketball team.
Ken was fondly known as a “Bibliomaniac”. His passion was reading and owning books of all types – History to Mystery. He was known for his terrific memory of all kinds of facts and stories of long ago. His influence as an educator was appreciated by his students both in high school and in the Army.
Following his years in the Legislature, he returned home to farm and ranch until he entered The St. Luke’s Home in January 1996. While there he continued to read three daily newspapers and many publications in addition to more books.
Ken is survived by two sisters, Joyce (Webb) Voorhees, Cavalier, and Wini Christensen, Fargo; one brother, Vernon (Lois) Knudson, Cooperstown; several nieces and nephews; and grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Douglas Christensen; and one nephew, Kenneth Knudson.
