Larry Russell Knudsen

Larry Russell Knudsen was born December 2, 1939, in Kingsley, Iowa, to Russell and Arloa Knudsen. He graduated from Gillette Grove High School in Gillette Grove, Iowa. He grew up on a farm, working with his family. Larry has 3 siblings, Richard (Judy) Knudsen, Linda Mykietyn and Paul (Natalie) Knudsen.

Larry was drafted into the Army. He served at Ft Leonard Wood, Missouri, from 1962 to 1964.

Larry met the love of his life in the 5th grade. Larry married Marlene Vanderhoff on August 19, 1961, in Spencer, Iowa. They made the trek to Ft Leonard Wood together and returned to Spencer following Larry’s discharge and raised their family there. Larry and Marlene are long-time members of Grace United Methodist Church.

Larry was always a farmer. Many years were spent doing farm work before and after his other workday. He worked full-time for Spencer Municipal Utilities in the water department for many years. Following his retirement, he embraced farming full time raising hogs, cattle and crops over the years.

Larry fought metastatic prostate cancer with courage and determination for 4 ½ years. He died peacefully with his wife of 64 years by his side at age 85. He is preceded in death by his parents, his great-grandson Tate Benjamin Nolan and his brother-in-law Jerome Mykietyn.

Larry is survived by his wife Marlene; son Bradley (Jess) Knudsen; daughters LaDonna (Dale) Tellinghuisen; Karen; and Sonya (Jack) Brizzolara; eight grandchildren; Kelsey (Ben) Nolan, Cassady Knudsen, Cole Knudsen, Justin (Bobbi) Tellinghuisen, Troy Tellinghuisen, Zackary (Lauren) Tellinghuisen, Megan (Nicholas) Mathsen, Julia Brizzolara and three great-grandsons; Ryder, Emmett and Rory.