Obituary of Kathryn Knudson (Kraabel)

Knudson, Kathryn (nee Kraabel) Age 89, Kathryn, “Kae”, Knudson, a second generation Norwegian American, was born on November 27, 1930 in Circle, MT. In her 90th year, gently passed away on March 1st, 2020 at her apartment in Burnsville, MN. The eldest of 6 “PKs” (preacher kids) she was expected to be a good example, and in her quiet pleasant way she was. She was always at the top of the class academically, and being pretty and personable, was voted Luther College Homecoming Queen in 1952. Days after graduation she married her college sweetheart, Al Knudson, and in due time Mike, David and Trish completed the family. During the age of TV moms Donna Reed/June Cleaver she mastered the role of mother and homemaker. She was an excellent cook. In the 1970s she began her teaching career in the Raytown, MO school system, teaching both High School and Elementary art. Kae was an accomplished portrait painter, taught by Harry Fredman of Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping and Redbook fame. In early retirement Kae and Al returned to farm his father’s quarter section north of LeRoy, MN. Afterward, Kae and Al moved to Bella Vista, AR and then to Burnsville, MN. Kae liked being involved with family, friends and many organizations just a few of which included PEO, League of Women Voters, church groups, and Bridge clubs. In her last 6 years she enjoyed her friends and staff at Arbors at Ridges. Kae was a Baptized and active member of the Lutheran Church all her life.

Kae is survived by her children: Michael (Madonna) Knudson, David (Barb) Knudson, and daughter Patricia Jass; Siblings: Mary (Conrad) Rolland, Barbara Kraabel, Steve (Susie) Kraabel and Gracia (Steve) Blanchard; Grandchildren: Carl (Angie) Knudson, Laura (Chris) Douglas, Tanner (Kelli) Jass, Blake and Briana Knudson; Great-grandchildren: Silas, Daisy, and Maggie Knudson; Harrison and Finn Jass. She was preceded in death by her husband Al, parents Maynard and Helen Kraabel, brother John Kraabel, niece Sonia Rolland and great-granddaughter Rosie Knudson. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held in June, with Christian burial in LeRoy, MN (details to follow). A small Celebration of Life service is scheduled April 1st at 9:30AM for residents of Arbors at Ridges having passed away in March. Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society or Arbors at Ridges General Fund (13897 Community Drive, Burnsville, MN 55337).