Don Vernon Knudson, age 94, of rural Hiawatha, Kansas passed away on­­­ Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Anew Healthcare, Hiawatha, Kansas.

Don was born to Albert and Gertina (Grosfield) Knudson on December 21, 1929, at Horton Hospital, Horton, Kansas. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Everest, Kansas. Don was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. He attended Marak Grade School and was a 1947 graduate of Willis High School, Willis, Kansas. On June 27, 1953, Don married Sarah Torkelson at Zion Lutheran Church, Everest, Kansas. Don was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church serving as usher, church treasurer and member of the church council. Don joined the Kansas Army National Guard in 1948 at Horton, Kansas with the 35th Division Battery C 154 Field Artillery serving ten years and attained the rank of Master Sergeant. Don served as a member of the Brown County Cooperative Board of Directors for nine years with seven of those years as Cooperative President.

Don and Sarah lived on a farm east of Willis, Kansas. Don was a farmer and stockman raising cattle, hogs, corn, soybeans, and wheat following graduation with his father, his son Douglas until his death in 1976, son Mark and grandson- Matthew and Michael. Don would say “I never worked a day in my life, because I enjoy what I do.” His passion in life was to work hard and persevere through challenging times to pass the farming legacy along to future generations. Don- determination to preserve the rich topsoil earned him and Sarah the Kansas Bankers award for Soil Conservation in­­­­ 1979. Don and Sarah recently celebrated their 71st Wedding Anniversary.

Don was a quiet, humble man who earned the respect and admiration of all he met. He was a man of faith who was always committed to his church. He especially enjoyed family gatherings, visiting and teaching farming to his children and grandchildren. He was a wonderful farmer, husband, father, grandfather and great grand father and he will be missed by all.

Don was preceded in death by his son: Douglas Alan Knudson, his parents, Albert and Gertina (Grosfield) Knudson, his brother Virgil Knudson and sister Veta Jane Knudson.

Don is survived by his wife Sarah Knudson, rural Hiawatha, son, Mark Knudson (Marcia), rural Hiawatha, grandchildren: Tricia Ricklefs (Chris), Matthew Knudson, Michael Knudson (Paige), Meredith Mueller (Matt), great grandchildren: Carlie Clary, Brent Clary, Fenley Knudson, Madison Mueller and Mason Mueller, and much-loved extended family and friends.

A funeral Service for Don will be held Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 1521 Prairie Road, Everest, Kansas four miles north of Everest, Kansas. Pastor Bud Elliot will officiate. Friends may call the funeral home from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2024.

The family will greet friends on Saturday, July 27 at 10:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church prior to services. The burial will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Cemetery and may be sent in care of the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary, 909 Central Ave, Horton, KS 66439. Online condolences may be made to www.dishon-maple-chaney.com