John W. Knudsen, Jr.

John William Knudsen, Jr., age 77, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2015, at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Medical Center. He was born in Racine, August 18, 1937, son of the late John and Addie Knudsen.

John graduated from Wm. Horlick High School “Class of 1955” and went on to serve proudly in the U.S. Army. After many years of employment, John retired from Rexnord Corp in Milwaukee where he worked as a Systems Analyst. He volunteered for many years as a member of the Racine Firing Squad. He loved sports and rooted for the Brewers, Badgers and Packers. He was an avid bowler and was active in the Racine Bowling Assn for 25 years, served as Association Manager for 19 years and was an inductee into its Hall of Fame. John also was active on the state level serving on the State Bowling Association Board of Directors for 16 years. He will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his loving partner and best friend of 36 years, Pat Pristash; son Richard W. Knudsen of TX; grandchildren, Ryan Knudsen, Thomas (Jenna) Knudsen, Dane Knudsen; great grandchildren, Elora and Willow; his sister, Nancy (John) Riley of SC; other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey in 1992 and his brother, Richard.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Friday, January 23, 2015, 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Carol Baumgartner officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet at the funeral home Thursday, 4-7 P.M. and on Friday 10:00 A.M. until time of service.

Special thank you to the staff at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints ICU for their loving and compassionate care.