Obituary of Gerald R. Knudson
Gerald R. Knudson
Age 92, of Morris, IL, passed away peacefully, Monday, February 21, 2022, at home.
He was born December 5, 1929, in Morris, IL to the late Arthur S. and Susie Mae (Williamson) Knudson. After graduation from high school, in 1947, he farmed and was a member of the Illinois National Guard for 6 years in the 44th Division Company G, located in Joliet. Gerald was a proud U.S. Army Veteran and while serving attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and was awarded the Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal with three service stars, a Combat Infantryman’s Badge, United Nations Service Medal, and ROK Korean Service Medal. After being Honorably discharged in 1953, On October 4, 1953, he married Patricia (nee Littlefair) at the United Methodist Church in Minooka. Gerald farmed for 10 years and in 1964 had the opportunity to pursue a career in banking. Gerald was a banker previously with, Tri-County Bank of Minooka (Executive Vice President, CEO), Exchange Bank in Morris (Executive Vice President, CEO), First Midwest Bank in Morris (President, CEO), Verona Exchange Bank (President), chairman of the board of the Bank of Wyanet, and served on the board of directors of First National Bank of Grand Ridge before retiring in 1994.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Lynn Knudson (Emile) Schiff; dearest grandchildren Trevor and Alexis Schiff; nieces and nephews, Sandra (Gregory) Joiner, Cathy Whalen, Diane (Dr. Ted) Dastych, and Larry (Denise) Johnson as well as several grand-nieces and grand-nephews; special friends, Sheri (Ray) Mason and Clifton (Rachel)
Preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Patricia (2020); son, Douglas (1976); his two sisters, Margery Barnes and Virginia Johnson; sister-in-law, Diana Richards; niece, Sheila Eggers and nephew, Alan Richards.
Gerald loved spending time with his daughter and family in California and also time spent with friends and golfing.
Gerald was a former member of the Minooka Grade School District 201 Board, Minooka Village Board, Minooka Lions Club, Morris Hospital Board, Grundy County Chambers of Commerce, Grundy County Heart Association, Morris Rotary, Morris Police Pension Board, and the Illinois Valley Industries Board, Morris American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8234, 45th Division, 279th Company Association, and CO G Association.
Visitation for Gerald R. Knudson will be held Wednesday, March 2, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:30 a.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Route 6 at Deerpath Drive in Morris. Interment will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials in his name can be made to the Minooka United Methodist Church. For more information, please call (815) 942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share your favorite memory or express your condolences.
