Ronald Carl Knudten

Ron Knudten, age 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 20, 2023, surrounded by his Pastor and loving family.

Ron was born to Carl and Marion Knudten in Chicago, Illinois, on June 10, 1936. He and his family moved to the small town of Amboy, Illinois, in 1953, when he was a junior in high school. It was then that he began dating the love of his life, Mary Ellen Long. They were married on April 12, 1958. Ron and Mary went on to have six children and they settled into a house they built on Lake Lucy in Chanhassen, Minnesota in 1969. They lived happily in that home for 50 years. Their children and extended family have many fond memories of the home and the countless hours spent on the lake. In 2019, Ron and Mary moved to The Waters of Excelsior, where he lived out the remainder of his life. Ron and Mary were happily married for over 65 years.

Ron worked for Concordia Publishing House just shy of 40 years, calling on Christian bookstores all over the Midwest and Canada. After retirement, Ron worked part-time at The Capitol City Station in St. Paul, owned by his son, Todd. Ron worked his way up the company ladder quickly and was named Assistant Manager and Cooler Supervisor just days after being hired. Ron was loved by all the customers and he truly enjoyed the time he got to spend with Todd while “working”.

Ron and Mary were active members of Living Christ Lutheran Church in Chanhassen with services being held in the early days at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. While members, Ron served as an Elder and he was a Youth Group Leader when his kids were young. Ron also drove the church bus which would transport congregation members to and from church.

Ron was a hardworking, humble, and kind man who enjoyed the simple things in life. He didn’t care about possessions, he cared about his friends and his family. In the end, he was faithful his entire life. Faithful to his wife, faithful to his kids, and faithful to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Ron is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Karen (Scott) Webster, Patty (John) Zimmerman, Koleen Knudten; sons, Todd (Kim) Knudten, Chris (Kristine) Knudten; brothers, Allen (Charlene) Knudten, Kenneth (Mary-jo) Knudten; his many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ron was preceded in death by his oldest son and best friend, Tim, in 2016.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Living Christ Lutheran Church, 820 Lake Drive, Chanhassen MN 55317. Visitation will be at 1:00 pm followed by a 2:00 pm service. A light meal will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Emanuel Lutheran School, 18155 County Rd 50, Hamburg, MN 55339.