Patricia Jane Knudson
February 21, 1939 — January 6, 2023
Patricia Jane Rasmussen Knudson was born on February 21, 1939, to Frederick Lauritz and Christine Marie Christiansen Rasmussen at their home near Walnut, Iowa. In 1943, she moved with her parents and brothers, Lawrence and Gene, to a farm west of Harlan. As a child, Pat was always helping her dad do field work and even started driving the International B tractor when she was just 6 years old.
She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan and then later she spent her adult life attending Altamont Baptist Church.
She attended country school No. 1 in Lincoln Township for two years then attended Tennant consolidated school, graduating with the class of 1957. During this time, she played basketball from middle school through high school and was also a cheerleader. She was a member of the Lincoln Leaders 4-H club.
After high school, she attended Dana College for one year where she also played on the girls' varsity basketball team.
After college, Pat worked at Squealer feeds for about four years. Pat met her husband, John Knudson, on a blind date and they were married on February 18, 1962 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. After they were married, they lived south of Corley for six years. During this time their son Rodney was born. After that they then moved west of Avoca for another six years where their sons, Gaige and Corey, were born.
John and Pat enjoyed attending dances and were members of the Corley Community Hall for many years.
In 1974, John and Pat moved to the Knudson farmstead where they became the 4th generation to farm. For 30 years, Pat raised a large flock of laying hens from which she sold eggs, had a large garden along with the farming and caring of livestock with her husband until he became ill and passed away in 2007. She continued her life on the farm as she went on to help her son Gaige as he took over farming until she retired in 2021 at the age of 82.
Another joy in Pat's life was watching her grandchildren grow up and enjoyed attending all the various activities they were involved in. Whether it was Harlan sporting events, Wayne State football games or Atlantic music concerts, Pat would attend as many as possible.
Pat passed away at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, attaining the age of eighty-three years, 10 months, 18 days. She is proceeded in death by her husband John, her parents, and her brothers Lawrence and Gene. She is survived by her sons, Rodney (Rhonda) Knudson of Harlan, Gaige (Julie) Knudson of Harlan, and Corey (Kelly) Knudson of Atlantic; grandchildren Tara (Colton) Clack of Ankeny, Ethan (Halley Busse) of Ankeny, Kyle Knudson of Harlan, Austin (Maddie) Knudson of Omaha, NE, Delaney Knudson of Omaha, NE, Josie (Issac Jones) Knudson of Santa Maria, CA, and Henry Knudson of Atlantic; sister-in-laws Karen (Jeff) Smith of West Chester, PA, Doris Rasmussen of Harlan and Peggy Rasmussen of Harlan, other family and many friends.
She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan and then later she spent her adult life attending Altamont Baptist Church.
She attended country school No. 1 in Lincoln Township for two years then attended Tennant consolidated school, graduating with the class of 1957. During this time, she played basketball from middle school through high school and was also a cheerleader. She was a member of the Lincoln Leaders 4-H club.
After high school, she attended Dana College for one year where she also played on the girls' varsity basketball team.
After college, Pat worked at Squealer feeds for about four years. Pat met her husband, John Knudson, on a blind date and they were married on February 18, 1962 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. After they were married, they lived south of Corley for six years. During this time their son Rodney was born. After that they then moved west of Avoca for another six years where their sons, Gaige and Corey, were born.
John and Pat enjoyed attending dances and were members of the Corley Community Hall for many years.
In 1974, John and Pat moved to the Knudson farmstead where they became the 4th generation to farm. For 30 years, Pat raised a large flock of laying hens from which she sold eggs, had a large garden along with the farming and caring of livestock with her husband until he became ill and passed away in 2007. She continued her life on the farm as she went on to help her son Gaige as he took over farming until she retired in 2021 at the age of 82.
Another joy in Pat's life was watching her grandchildren grow up and enjoyed attending all the various activities they were involved in. Whether it was Harlan sporting events, Wayne State football games or Atlantic music concerts, Pat would attend as many as possible.
Pat passed away at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, attaining the age of eighty-three years, 10 months, 18 days. She is proceeded in death by her husband John, her parents, and her brothers Lawrence and Gene. She is survived by her sons, Rodney (Rhonda) Knudson of Harlan, Gaige (Julie) Knudson of Harlan, and Corey (Kelly) Knudson of Atlantic; grandchildren Tara (Colton) Clack of Ankeny, Ethan (Halley Busse) of Ankeny, Kyle Knudson of Harlan, Austin (Maddie) Knudson of Omaha, NE, Delaney Knudson of Omaha, NE, Josie (Issac Jones) Knudson of Santa Maria, CA, and Henry Knudson of Atlantic; sister-in-laws Karen (Jeff) Smith of West Chester, PA, Doris Rasmussen of Harlan and Peggy Rasmussen of Harlan, other family and many friends.
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