KEITH KNUDSEN

Keith W. Knudsen, 93, of Neenah, WI passed away peacefully on June 16th, 2024, with his beloved wife of 68 years, Vernice, by his side. Keith had a strong Christian faith and God called him home while they were live streaming the Sunday worship service from Our Savior's Lutheran Church.   Though it was hard to lose Keith on Father's Day, his children Ken and Karen got to say, ‘Happy Father's Day', and then he was reunited with his infant sons Keith Jr. & Kennan, and daughter Cathy Eisert in his heavenly Father's home.

Keith was born on a farm near Dike, IA to the late Albert and Helga (Larsen) Knudsen on July 3, 1930.  He attended country school for 8 years and graduated from Dike High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S Army.  He was a Korean War Veteran serving 2 years with the 2nd Infantry Division and attaining the rank of Company 1st SGT.  He returned home and on August 7, 1955, he married Vernice Kling.  Keith graduated from Iowa State College (now Iowa State University) with a Chemical Engineering degree.  A summer internship with Marathon Paper Company brought him and Vernice to Neenah in 1957.  After graduation, they returned in 1958 where he worked for American Can and James River Paper Company until retiring in 1992.

He was a very active member at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Neenah, sharing his gifts where God called him.  He designed and crafted 1000 stained glass angels that he and Vernice gave to people in crisis with a message from Psalm 91:11 - “God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go.”  They also sold these angels, donating the proceeds to help support Our Savior's Help Fund. He supported Lutheran Partners in Global Mission helping numerous children in India so they could attend school. He was involved in many community groups including Boy Scouts, Boy's Brigade, Neenah High School Music Parents, Men's Fellowship, Neenah Club, and Fox Valley Squares.

He loved to solve problems and had an inquisitive mind.  He enjoyed tinkering around the house and making things work better. He developed and patented the first hard-sided, fold-down travel trailer.  He loved to travel, visiting all 50 states, many foreign countries, and taking 34 Road Scholar trips.  He had fun camping with family, friends, and square dancers, even scaring down a grizzly bear in Rocky Mountain National Park to protect his young family. But his greatest joy was watching his grandchildren grow, spending time with them and supporting them in all their endeavors.  His warm smile, sense of humor, and compassion for others will truly be missed.

Keith is survived by his wife, Vernice; his children, Kenneth (Stephanie) Knudsen and Karen (Robert) Meador; grandchildren, Camille (Travis) Merchant Knudsen, Ian Meador (fiancé Brooke Berube), Nathaniel Meador (fiancé Maddi Marsh), Megan Eisert, and Jen Eisert; Great-granddaughter, Riley Meador; sister, Velma Wessel; sisters- in-law, Fern Knudsen and Laurann Patterson; and many nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, infant sons, and daughter, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Dale and Donald; sisters, Eunice Rocca, Valera Schroeder, and Erma Roethler; in laws, Harold and Inger Kling.

The funeral service for Keith will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, July 1, 2024 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 809 S. Commercial St., Neenah, with Rev. Jon Strasman officiating. A visitation will be held at church from 9:30 A.M. until the hour of service. Keith will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Neenah.

Memorials can be made to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 809 S. Commercial Street, Neenah, WI.