Helen Jeanette Knudson

Helen Jeanette Knudson, the daughter of Peter and Alma (Thompson) Brogard, was born on August 8, 1928, in rural Shelby, Iowa. She was raised in Irwin, Iowa, and graduated from high school in Vallejo, California, in 1946. On October 16, 1948, Helen married Gailard Hans Knudson at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irwin, Iowa. The couple made their home in Irwin where they ran Knudson Service for many years. Helen did bookkeeping work for the business.

Helen was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irwin. She enjoyed playing cards, doing the Omaha World Herald daily crossword puzzles, eating out, and visiting with friends on the telephone. Helen loved to spend time with her family, and was especially fond of being with her grandchildren.

Helen J. Knudson died on Wednesday, February 15, 2006, at the Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having reached the age of 77 years, 6 months, and 7 days.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Eleanor Dills and Thelma Myrtue; three brothers, Wyman Brogard, Roy Brogard, and James Brogard; and one grandson, Jamie Allstot. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Gailard Knudson of Irwin, Iowa; two sons, John (Cheri) Knudson of Clay Center, Kansas, and Jack (Christie) Knudson of Irwin, Iowa; three daughters, Gail Olson of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Kathie (Jim) Allstot of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Jana (Bill) Halloran of Omaha, Nebraska; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 18, 2006, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irwin, Iowa, with Pastor Ron Rasmussen and Pastor Victor Johnson officiating. Nancy Larson served as the pianist. Casket bearers were Merle Dills, David Knudson, Rod Iske, Jessica Allstot, Jerry Rowsey, and Randy Knudson. Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Irwin, Iowa. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan was in charge of the arrangements.