Obit: Knudson, Neil O. (1925 – 2008)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Knudson, Bakke, Manske, Zeiler, Martin, Ford

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) October 22, 2008

Knudson, Neil O. (20 December 1925 – 17 October 2008) With Flag

Neil O. Knudson, 82, passed away peacefully, while under the care of Black River Hospice, at his home in Taylor Friday, October 17, 2008. Neil was employed as a senior technician since 1975 at Al Muth Harley-Davidson in Black River Falls.

Neil was born on the family farm in the Town of Irving, Jackson County, near Disco December 20, 1925, to Harry and Ragnhild (Bakke) Knudson.

He was confirmed at the Squaw Creek Lutheran Church in 1940, and he graduated from Black River Falls High School in 1943. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1943 serving as an Aviation Radioman Third Class. He was awarded “The Purple Heart” in a presentation directly to him from Admiral Nimitz. He helped save many lives during the USS Franklin Incident, and for his efforts he was a decorated hero. After his discharge in 1946, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

He married Lorraine Manske in La Crosse, June 24, 1950. He then worked in La Crosse at Bill Borer Harley-Davidson and at the Trane Company. In 1960s, he worked in quality control on the guidance systems at A. C. Electronics for the Apollo Space Program, which was designed to land a man on the moon.

He then moved on to another phase of life, owning and operating Del’s Tavern in La Crosse. His accordion playing kept the place hopping.

After three years, he moved back to his home base in Jackson County. Al Muth recruited him to help in the Harley-Davidson dealership. This was the longest part-time job Neil ever had. He worked there for 30 years.

Neil was active in the Black River Falls Model Airplane Flying Club. He was past president of the Taylor Lions Club. Neil’s skills were far reaching. He was an electrician, journeyman plumber, carpenter, draftsman and welder. He was extremely mechanically inclined. He could fix anything.

He enjoyed traveling and visiting his family in Norway and his friends in Australia.

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Lorraine, three daughters, Lenore Knudson, La Crosse, Diane Zeiler, Black River Falls, and Karen (Doug) Martin, Phillips; three sons, Randy, Ricky and Kevin Knudson, all of Madison; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a sister, Betty (Bud) Ford, Bullhead City, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Ray.

Neil was well loved by family and friends. He will truly be missed.

Memorial funeral services followed by military honors will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 26, 2008 at Torgerson’s Funeral Home (715-284-4321) 408 N. Water St. Black River Falls. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Sunday from 1:30 p.m. until the time of services.