Harold E. Knudson, 88, of rural Estherville passed away at Good Samaritan Society in Estherville on February 13, 2024. Harold was born on September 30, 1935, in rural Emmet County to Gust and Lucile (Boyington) Knudson. He attended Quastad country school, Maple Hill Consolidated School, and graduated from Gruver High School in the class of 1955. He was united in marriage to Janet Helmers on April 7, 1957, in Estherville, Iowa. To this union were born three children: Becky, Kimberly, and Ricky
Harold farmed his entire life on the farm where he was born. Harold and Janet worked side-by-side in their farming operation, which included different kinds of livestock throughout the years, but raising Angus cattle was his joy. He was also very proud to own a Heritage Farm that his great grandfather homesteaded in 1867. Harold and Janet retired in the early 2000’s.
Harold was an active member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church of rural Estherville, where he was baptized and confirmed and where he attended until Immanuel’s closing. Harold helped with caring for the church property and Ingham Lake Bible Camp in any way that was needed. In more recent years he was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran in Estherville. In addition to serving his church Harold also served his community. While his children attended Lincoln Central schools, Harold served on the school board for several years.
Harold enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was always in for a visit with anyone he met. No one was a stranger, and he would strike up a conversation with anyone who was willing to visit. He especially enjoyed talking about farming and always shared stories about how life was growing up on the farm with his parents and his five siblings. Harold and Janet enjoyed going places together and were avid dancers. They had many years of waltzes, polkas, and foxtrots together until Janet’s health prevented them from dancing.
Harold is survived by his three children, Becky (Dave) Ostheimer of Fort Dodge, IA, Kim (Kevin) Swartz of Norwalk, IA, and Rick (Jen) Knudson of Clear Lake, IA; grandchildren, Christopher Ostheimer, Jonathon Ostheimer, Ryan (Alexas) Swartz, Austin Swartz (Erin Cobb), Spencer (Samantha) Swartz, Nathan Knudson, Kaitlyn Knudson and Samuel Knudson; five great-grandchildren; sisters Lorabelle Hempstead, Estherville, IA, Blanche Mitchell, Georgetown, TX, brother Dale (Wanda) Knudson, Visalia, CA; brother-in-law Delano (Janice) Helmers, sister- in- law Beverly Boell, all of Jackson, MN, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Knudson, parents Gust and Lucile Knudson, his father and mother-in-law Herman and Jennie Helmers, as well as two sisters, several brothers-in-laws, two nephews, and two nieces.
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