Stanford Knudson

MADISON-Stanford Kenneth Knudson, age 100, of Madison, died on April 21, 2013. He was born Oct. 1, 1912, in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, the son of Knut and Susan (Nelson) Knudson. Stanford married Mildred Hanson of Munising, Mich. on Sept. 9, 1940. Stanford and Mildred lived in Sturgeon Bay until 1960, when they moved to Madison, where Stanford worked as an electrician for the State of Wisconsin until he retired in 1978. Stanford was a musician from his earliest years, playing saxophone and clarinet in ‘big bands’ during the 1930’s. In 1937, as member of a ship’s orchestra, Stanford traveled to China, Japan and the Philippines. He formed the band, Stan Stanford’s Orchestra, and played in Door County from 1940 until 1960; upon moving to Madison in 1960, he formed the Astro Notes and continued entertaining until 2000. As a musician, he also participated in the Monona Senior Rhythm Band, Monona Senior Chorus, and the Shriners Band until 2009. Stanford was an active member in Lake Edge Lutheran Church, singing in their choir for almost 50 years. He was a longtime member of Local No. 159 of the IBEW (Electrical Workers Union), the American Federation of Musicians Local No. 166, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Olbrich Gardens, and The Madison Rose Society. For several years, he was a volunteer grandparent at Allis Elementary School, and also took part in the Big Brothers program. Stanford is survived by a son, Kenneth Knudson, living in Annecy, France; a daughter, Judith Campbell, living in Houston, Texas; three granddaughters, Lisa Knudson and Andrea Hanson Kelley, both of Austin, Texas, and Claire Knudson Fulford of Bristol, England; two grandsons, Karl Stickle of Spring,Texas and Benjamin Knudson of Maidstone, England; ten great-grandchildren,Ashlee, Keith, Brantz, and Ethan Stickle, Dakota Kelley Schwarzschild, Nolen Collazo, Aruna and Gabriel Knudson, Jos and Mia Fulford. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred, in 2000; his parents; and his two brothers, Lester and Douglas Knutson. Funeral services will be held at LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4032 Monona Drive, at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2013, with the Rev. Brian Konkol presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Agrace HospiceCare. Cemetery: Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Funeral services will be held at LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4032 Monona Drive, at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2013, with the Rev. Brian Konkol presiding.