Ernest Knudson

Ernest Ralph Knudson of Houston Minnesota, 93 years old, sadly passed away on October 23, 2023 at Carver Ridge Senior Living in Carver MN.  Ernie lived an enriching life.  He had a love for his family and passion for agriculture, especially livestock.  His contagious smile, playful approach, and authenticity will be forever remembered and forever missed.

Ernie was born on October 2^nd, 1930 in Hartland Minnesota.  He grew up on the Hartland family farm.  When he was 9 yrs. old, Ernie lost his dad.  This profound loss forged the importance of family and molded his work ethic as he played a key role on the farm.  His first job was driving a bundle team of horses to separate oats from straw. In 1948, Ernie graduated from New Richland High School, where he was involved in sports (football, basketball, baseball), FFA (State FFA Secretary, American Farmer Degree), and 4-H.  He would go on to serve his country in the US Air Force (1951-1954), after initially enrolling in University of Minnesota on a Sears, Roebuck scholarship.  He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1957 (BS, Agricultural Education).  He successfully competed on the University of Minnesota Dairy Cattle and General Livestock Judging teams. He won the International Livestock Show in 1955, as the top hog judge.  He joined the Farmhouse Fraternity and Alpha Zeta honorary society.

Ernie married Arlene Elmburg on May 9, 1953 at Diamond Lake Lutheran Church in Minneapolis Minnesota.  They were married for 62 years, residing most of those years in Houston MN.  He loved teaching as an Ag instructor, guiding young people with their livestock projects.  He taught at Kasson Mantorville MN, Lewiston MN, and St. Charles MN.  His other love was starting Viking Farm in 1965 that focused on producing Duroc hogs that were sold across the globe (USA, Japan, Argentina, Mexico, etc.).

Ernie had a voracious appetite for learning.  He was well-read in current events, politics, and trending topics of the day.  He loved playing Pinochle cards, cheering on his Vikings football team, and helping young people achieve. And holidays would not be the same without Norwegian cookies, home-baked pies, and family around.  His deepest love was for Sheldon Valley, where he nurtured his family, enjoyed incomparable water, and adored the landscape.

His family was always a priority.  He is survived by his 7 children – Kathy (Pat) of St Cloud MN, Todd (Ellen) of Melville NY, Bradley (Jane) of Waverly IA, Brian (Barbara) of Chanhassen MN, Kristine (Guy) of Shorewood MN, Terry of Morristown IN, and Lee (Julie) of Edina MN, along with 15 grandchildren – Erik (Kate), Kira, Kasya, Inga, Clare, Laura (Adam), Kristin (Matt), Megan (Eric), Alec, Jack, Annika, Conner, Hunter, Ava, and Will; 3 step grandchildren - Joe (Janean), Greg, and Jordan; 6 great grandchildren – Westley, Morgan, Olivia, Addison, Madelyn and Owen; his sister, Janet McDermott of Albert Lea, MN; and brother, Norlie Knudson of Hartland MN.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife Arlene, his parents Clara & Carl Knudson, his brothers Kernel, Alert, & Curtis, and his sisters Elsie & Linda.

A celebration of Ernie’s life will be held 1:30 pm on Monday, October 30^th 2023 at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 204 South Chase Street, Houston Minnesota with Pastor Dana Jackson officiating.  Visitation is on Sunday, October 29^th 2023 from 4-7 pm at the Hoff Funeral Home, 710 E Cedar St, Houston MN, as well as 1 hour prior to the church service.  He will be laid to rest at the Stone Church Cemetery following the service. Memorial donations may be made in Ernie’s name to the Stone Church. www.hofffuneral.com.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Carver Ridge Senior Living for their care, compassion, and support of Ernie during his residence.

The service will be livestreamed at the following link with passcode: 089903

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84712405680?pwd=Y0I5a3lLRDBpS3F1OTRjeXI0R2Fudz09