Eugene “Skip” Clifford Knudson passed away on Sunday, January 2, 2022. He was born to Oda Marie (Miller) Knudson and Clifford Earl Knudson on January 14, 1935, in Stevens Point, WI. He was the older brother to Gary Knudson.
Skip grew up in Adams-Friendship, WI, and served in the Army where he was a field radio repairman. He went on to complete college in Madison, WI where he met and fell in love with Mary Lou Zanoni. They were married on February 7, 1959, and had three children, Tracy, Cori, and Tara. The family lived in Maryland and New York before settling back in Wisconsin. He worked at the NSA, Bell
Aerosystems Company and Olin Corporation before deciding to return to school at UW Whitewater for his Master of Science in Education. He went on to have a long career in business administration at several institutions: Sauk Prairie Schools in Prairie du Sac, WI; Viterbo College in La Crosse, WI; and Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois.
He loved vodka gimlets, Badger sports, Packers games, boating, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He was known for his great hugs.
Kind, accepting, selfless and determined, Skip was cherished and respected by those he knew and loved. He walked through this life knowing love and loss, finding adventure, and teaching his family the value of loving and supporting each other.
He is survived by his companion Shirley Detienne of Portage, WI; brother Gary Knudson of Mesa, AZ; son Tracy Knudson of Wausau, WI, daughter Cori Knudson (Ann Christoffer) of Gays Mills, WI, and daughter Tara Duval (Mike Duval) of Brainerd, MN; grandchildren Tyler Knudson, Sara Jacobs, Riley Knudson, Casey Duval, Ross Duval, and Teagan Knudson; along with many much-loved great-grandchildren who brought him such joy. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Mary Knudson.
Skip’s family life has been touched by Alzheimer’s and he was doing his part to help find a cure. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin at alzwisc.org or 6314 Odana Road, Suite 4, Madison, WI 53719. A celebration of life will be scheduled in the Spring.
Fond memories of listening to Ann play, while we enjoyed the company of Cori, Shirley and other friends who joined our table! I will remember him for his support and acceptance, his laughter wa infectious!
The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, Eugene Clifford Knudson. We are thankful for his military service and proud to have served him on his trip to Washington, D.C. on September 16, 2017.
A great caring Friend to many. I enjoyed his leadership on our Condo Board and, the many Fun Times playing Golf at Fox Lake GC with all the guys. He will be missed.
Thank you for being my father’s most trusted friend, occasional partner-in-crime, more than occasional consigliere, and quite simply his buddy and counsel for life. You never failed to make him laugh, and I’m glad I got to meet the man behind the myth. Thank you also for ushering my mother through his passing. You are no doubt mourned by many but Stu will love seeing you, and may have mentioned the lime juice there always freshly squeezed.