David Andrew Knudson, 59, of Kettle River, finished his journey here on Earth, to begin a new journey in Heaven, after battling with cancer for 4 years. He passed away peacefully at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth on February 25, 2009 with his wife of 31 years, daughters & best friend since childhood, by his side. He was born on February 3, 1950 to Merlyn and Rose (Haapala) Knudson in St. James, where he spent the first 6 months of his life before moving to Kettle River. He attended grade school at the Kettle River community school and graduated from Moose Lake High School in 1963. After graduating high school, Dave was employed for several years at Nemadji Pottery, before becoming a self-employed jack of all trades.

Dave was united in marriage to Denise Pangerl on June 18, 1977 in Moose Lake, and continued to share the joy of their marriage with the births of their daughters, Mindy in 1978 and Jenny in 1981, with the addition of a very special "adopted" son, Ben, in 2004.

Dave enjoyed taking day trips to the North Shore, watching the ships come in at Canal Park, working on the farm, driving in his truck, watching, "Cops", watching FRD tv,, reading his farming magazines, spending time with family and friends and most of all, going on new adventures with his grandchildren.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom Knudson, father-in-law Joe Pangerl, special niece Tammy Pangerl, several other family members and friends, as well as 2 special dogs, Simba and Buddy.

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 31 years, Denise Knudson of Kettle River; 2 daughters, Mindy (Alex) Leger of Pine City and Jenny Knudson (Forrest Hall) of Moose Lake; special son in spirit, Ben Dorman of Kettle River; mother & step-father in-law Bernie & Marlene Berube of Moose Lake, two sisters-in-law, Nancy (Doug) Lott and family, Sandy (Al) Schmeling and family; one brother-in-law, Tom (Terian) Pangerl and family; four special grandchildren, Ty Knudson-Klar, Samantha Leger, Lauren Hartman & Landon Leger; life-long friend Duane (Bonnie Schroeder-Palmi) Palmi and one special companion (dog), Oliver, As well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Dave's family would like to thank Dr. Sande, Dr. Dornfeld, Dr. Fox, LNP Kathleen Fink, St. Mary's oncology and hospice staff, Mercy Hospital ER staff and Solvay Hospice House staff for their continued care and support. A special thank you goes out to Dave's outstanding and inspiring oncology nurse of 4 years, Barb Orth.

Dave will live on in our hearts as we remember his gift of gab, the ability to make light of any situation, his love of chocolate covered cake donuts and brownies and his one of a kind genuine heart of gold.

Visitation was Sunday, March 1, from 5-7 PM in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake and Monday, March 2, from 10 until the 11 AM Service in Evangelical Covenant Church, Moose Lake.

Pallbearers were: Tom Pangerl, Doug Lott, Al Schmeling Dean Weske, Ben Dorman, and Duane Palmi. Spring Interment will be in West Branch Cemetery, Kalevala Township.
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."
To sign the guestbook online go to: www.hhkfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake, Moose Lake.