Wilmer Lester Knudsen

Wilmer Lester Knudsen, the son of Peter Marinus and Olga Sophie (Jacobsen) Knudsen, was born on March 12, 1917, in Fiscus, Iowa. He was raised in Shelby County, Iowa. Wilmer served in the United States Navy during World War II. Upon returning from the service in 1945, he worked selling eggs, milk, and poultry on a cream route. On October 11, 1968, Wilmer married Mary Lois Larsen in Lincoln, Nebraska. He enjoyed working in sales, and was employed in the Sales Department of Harlan Manufacturing (Jacobs Tools) for many years. Wilmer retired in 1979.

Wilmer was a member of the First Baptist Church in Harlan, Iowa. He was a 50-year member of the Parian Lodge 321 A.F. & A.M. in Harlan. He enjoyed woodworking and doing major repairs and improvements on his house.

Wilmer L. Knudsen died on Friday, November 18, 2005, at his home in Harlan, Iowa, at the age of 88 years, 8 months, and 6 days.

Wilmer was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Marvin Knudsen; and one sister, Agness Shaffer. Survivors include his wife, Mary L. Knudsen of Harlan, Iowa; one brother, Jack (Grace Ann) Knudsen of Harlan, Iowa; and other relatives and friends.

No services are planned at this time. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements.