Richard Knudson

Middleton - Richard W. Knudson, age 80, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2009. He was born on May 16, 1929, in Chicago, IL, the son of Walter and Mabel (Morris) Knudson. Richard grew up in Chicago and graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1947. He worked for the railroad and on great lakes ore boats until he joined the United States Navy in 1948. He was a veteran of the Korean War, having served with the U.S. Navy on the USS Philippine Sea aircraft carrier off the coast of Korea. On his return from overseas in the fall of 1952, Richard married his sweetheart, Joan Wolters, on January 17, 1953, in Elkhorn, WI. He graduated from Milton College in 1958 with a bachelor\'s degree in history. He taught social science at Belvedere High School in Illinois, and was a guidance counselor at Mineral Point High School. The family moved to Madison in 1961. Richard worked for the State of Wisconsin in Madison as a disability examiner for 20 years. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping, bird watching and canoeing. He was an avid history buff and loved reading, music and watching old movies. Richard was a member of St. Dunstan\'s Episcopal Church. He was very active in many family church outings. He looked forward to and enjoyed the annual fall trip to Door County with Joan, and took many family trips around the United States. Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He lived life to the fullest, and always looked forward to spending time with family. He was counted on to be there for many family occasions, and will be greatly missed by all. Richard is survived by Joan, his wife of 56 years; his children, Paul (Jeanine Kroll) Knudson, Susan Herrick, Sally (Bryan) Keleny, Sharyn Knudson, and Tom Knudson; and seven grandchildren; Hadley and Walker Knudson, Ben Herrick, Michael and Patrick Keleny, and Sam and Rachael Redman. Family and friends are invited to gather at 11:00 am with a memorial service to follow at noon at St. Dunstan\'s Episcopal Church, 6205 University Ave., Madison on Saturday, January 2nd. Father Arthur Lloyd will be presiding. A luncheon at the church will follow the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to St. Dunstan\'s Arboretum. Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to St. Dunstan\'s Arboretum. Visitation: Family and friends are invited to gather at 11:00 am with a memorial service to follow at noon at St. Dunstan\'s Episcopal Church, 6205 University Ave., Madison on Saturday, January 2nd Service: Family and friends are invited to gather at 11:00 am with a memorial service to follow at noon at St. Dunstan\'s Episcopal Church, 6205 University Ave., Madison on Saturday, January 2nd. Father Arthur Lloyd will be presiding. A luncheon at the church will follow the service