Obituary - David Wayne Knudson

David Wayne Knudson, 78, lifelong resident of Havre, Montana, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Northern Montana Hospital after a brief illness.

Dave was born February 6, 1944, in Havre, Montana, attending Havre Public Schools. He was a member of the Montana National Guard, doing his original training at Fort Knox in Kentucky. Later he held various jobs including working for Meadow Gold, driving truck with his brother Glen, working at the Farmer's grain elevator, and finally settling into a longtime career as store manager for Brown's Hardware/Brown's Home Center. Throughout this time, Dave would "moonlight" helping on the family farm. His kids loved getting to go along for the long, hot, dusty tractor rides. When Brown's Home Center closed, Dave continued in sales for several more years. He later worked in construction until his official retirement at age 75.

Dave married Donna Kampf May 31, 1970. Together they raised four children. They were married 44 years until Donna's passing in 2014.

Dave loved life, and he loved people. His favorite past time was visiting with friends & strangers alike. He could sit and talk with people for hours. One of his favorite things was starting his day with the guys at the Palace for coffee. The Bears Paw Mountains was his playground. As soon as the weather would allow, he and Donna could be found lakeside with a fishing pole in hand. As the days grew longer and warmer, they would move their motor home out to a campsite for the weekend. They also spent time in Yuma, AZ, to avoid Havre's frigid winters. Dave loved football. The Green Bay Packers was his NFL team. He was an official Cheese Head, owning one share of Green Bay stock! He bled blue and gold for the Montana Bobcats to the cheers of some, and boos of others. His other passions included watching John Wayne movies or any other westerns, reading Louis L'Amour books, playing cards, and working in his yard and garden.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; his son, Rick; his parents, Albert and Dorothy (Schafer) Knudson; his sisters, Doral Andrew and Violet Swick; and brothers Lloyd, Lyle, Stanley, and Glen Knudson.

Dave is survived by his daughters, Danette (Craig) Butterfield of Midland, TX, and Vicki (Ric) Carranza of San Antonio, TX; son, Chad Knudson of Havre, MT; his loving friend, Carol Walker of Havre, MT; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his sister, Gladys Rohde of Bismarck, ND; several nieces and nephews; and many lifelong friends.

Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Havre, MT, on Monday January 30, 2023, at 2 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Friends of Beaver Creek Park. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please visit Dave's online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for his family at https://www.hollandbonine.com .