Leroy Knudsen

LeRoy Edwin Knudsen was born March 13, 1939 to Clarence and Evelyn (Dahl) Knudsen in Arlington, South Dakota. When he was five years old, he moved to the Dahl family farm north of Lake Benton, Minnesota. LeRoy was baptized on January 7, 1941 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arlington, South Dakota and later confirmed at Diamond Lake Lutheran Church in Lake Benton. He attended Lake Benton Public School and graduated in 1957. Following his education he worked at the Standard Lumber Company in Lake Benton. LeRoy was united in marriage to Deanna (Goos) Knudsen on February 24, 1962 at First English Lutheran Church in Tyler, Minnesota. Their union was blessed with three children, Marci, Kelly, and Amy, and 52 years of marriage together. The couple owned and operated the Standard Oil Station in Tyler from July 1963 until LeRoy's retirement in 2001. His customers meant the world to him and he was always there to help everyone. LeRoy was a true example of 'Pay It Forward'. Many times over his career he found himself embracing people with goodwill and kindness that were in need of his help and services. In 2002, LeRoy was blessed with a 'new life' after receiving a heart transplant. With all the battles he fought, he always remained positive and upbeat - which was contagious. LeRoy was admitted to Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Wednesday, February 19. He died there following health complications on Monday, February 24, 2014 at the age of 74 years.

LeRoy was a long time member of First English Lutheran Church. He was also active with the Tyler Lions Club, Tyler Volunteer Fire Department, Lincoln County HRA Board, Tyler Hospital Board, Tyler Community Club, and Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed playing cards, shaking dice, telling jokes, woodworking, tinkering in the garage, yard work, gardening, winemaking, and especially time spent with his children and grandchildren.

LeRoy will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Deanna of Tyler, Minnesota; three children, Marci Meyers and her children - Joe, Natalie, and Elise of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Kelly (and Robin) Knudsen and their children - Kristin and Brett of Tyler, Minnesota, Amy (and Matthew) Johnson and their children - Ava and Addison of Harrisburg, South Dakota; a sister, Jean (and Ron) Plueger of LaCrosse, Wisconsin; a brother, David (and Deb) Knudsen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and three nieces; Julie Plueger, Rhonda Powell, and Vicki Sutherland.

Blessed be his memory.