Dennis Calmer Knudson

Dennis Calmer Knudson, 71, of Clifford, ND passed away on January 11, 2012 at his home near Clifford. He was born to Calmer and Florence (Whitson) Knudson on September 22, 1940 in Mayville, ND. Dennis began attending grade school at a country school near his home in rural Clifford and graduated from Clifford High School in 1958. After high school Dennis served in the National Guard. He lived and worked near Clifford and in later years he loved to tell stories about his bachelor days playing softball, arm wrestling, and winning tug-o-war matches. Dennis married the love of his life Audrey Beck in Brocket, ND on June 11, 1978. Together they lived near Clifford and raised wheat, barley, beans, and livestock on the family farm. They also raised 4 children and later 9 grandchildren. He worked for over 30 years at the Trail County Highway Department in addition to farming. He never retired from farming, turning the soil till the end of his 71 years. He loved hunting, fishing, and the outdoors and loved to share his passions with those around him. He rarely spent time in the house and was much more likely to be found driving around in his pickup or tractor, usually with his favorite dogs next to him. He enjoyed his morning coffee and pancake with friends at the cafe and his grueling pinochle games with neighbors in the evenings. He was a devoted husband and father and more than anything else he loved his family and always put them first. He had in particular a special fondness for each of his nine grandchildren. The familiar smile on his face was never brighter than when he was playing with his grandkids and he was known to routinely ask when the next one would be born, often times to the chagrin of the daughter he was asking. Dennis is survived by his wife of 33 years, Audrey of Clifford; his children: Jay (Marianne) Knudson of Grand Forks, ND, Justin (Kristi) Knudson of Portland, ND, Jeremy (Kayla) Knudson of Blanchard, ND, and Emily (Chris) Howard of Larimore, ND; nine grandchildren: Leo, Austin, Christopher, Alex, Tristan, Nolan, Mason, Taylor, and Carson; one brother: Floyd (Corrine) Knudson of Mayville, ND; three nephews and two nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rholeen (James) Kennedy; and one nephew. Visitation: 5-7 PM Monday, January 16, 2012 with a prayer service at 6:30 PM at Baker Funeral Home Chapel, Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Memorial Service: 10:30 AM Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Norman Lutheran Church in Clifford. Interment: Clifford Cemetery