Gary Keith Knudson

Gary Keith Knudson, 76, passed away 3/7/21 at his winter home in Sun City, AZ.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Jalmer and Lillian Knudson; his first wife, Sharon (DeVries) Knudson; and their son, Steven Knudson. He is survived by his wife, Rita (Deeney-Hagen) Knudson; sister, Janice (Neil) Hoek; daughter-in-law, Salena Knudson; son, Brian Knudson; daughter, Renae (Charles Easterlin) Knudson; daughter, Ronda (Gary) Otto; and step-son, Matt Hagen. He is also survived by grandchildren, Alyssa, Hannah, Lynsey, Jordyn and Emersyn Knudson; and step-grandson Mason Otto.

Gary was born 9/2/44 in Sioux Falls, SD.  He attended Franklin High School in Madison SD, and business college in Sioux Falls SD. Gary married Sharon DeVries in 1964. He proudly served in the Air Force at Luke AFB in Arizona.  After leaving the military, Gary began his career with Northwestern Bell in 1970 in St. Paul, MN and retired in 2000 as Director of Wholesale Markets.

Gary and Sharon raised their family in Bloomington and Burnsville where he was very involved with youth sports and loved camping and fishing. In 1996 he married Rita Deeney-Hagen. In 2004, they purchased a home in Sun City, AZ where much time was spent on the golf course; sadly he never did get that elusive hole in one. He loved watching his Vikings, Timberwolves, Lynx, Twins, Wild and Gophers.

Gary was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa and friend and he (as well as his BIG hugs) will be missed by all. A memorial visitation will be held 7/11 at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37 ^th Ave N, from 4:00-7:00 PM with a memorial service at 7 PM. A private burial will take place at Fort Snelling with full military honors.

Gary passed away from cancer as did Sharon and Steven, and the American Cancer Society was one of his favorite charities. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the family or directly to the American Cancer Society.

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