William O. Knudsen, 76, passed away Friday, March 31, 2000 at home surrounded by his family.
He was born October 6, 1923 in Brigham City, the son of William Warren and Leora Hansen Knudsen. He married Catherine Todd Russell in Springfield, Illinois on June 9, 1948. She preceded him in death on April 11, 1998. He was also preceded in death by his two sisters and three brothers.William was raised in Brigham City and graduated from Box Elder High School in 1941. He served in the Navy during World War II as a navigator and flight instructor in California and Florida. After the war, he attended Brigham Young University and Columbia University in New York. He later went to Loyola University of Chicago Dental School graduating in 1958 where he practiced until his death.
William had recently become active in Holy Cross Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Brigham City Golf and Country Club. He was a former member of the Box Elder Scuba Team and a former member of the Brigham City Lion's Club. He was an avid member of the Republican party and for many years campaigned actively for several past members of the US Legislature. He was life a member of the Utah State Dental Association and a charter member of the American Association for Functional Orthodontics.
He was an avid sports hunter and fly fisherman. One of his greatest joys was that he was able to ski free at many Utah resorts due to his advanced age saying that skiing was the best fun you could have with your pants on.
He is survived by his four children, Mary Jo Knudsen, Park City; Elizabeth (Peter) Baumgartner, Brigham City; William Russell (Jeanne), Cody, Wyoming; Connie (Gregg) Schowengerdt, Salt Lake City; and nine grandchildren.
William donated his body to the University of Utah Medical School for research and medical training.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 6th at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Brigham City at 11 a.m. Friends may call Wednesday evening at the family home from 7-9 p.m. to celebrate Williams' life, to share a memory and raise a glass.
The family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society or a memorial fund at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.