Robert Knudson, 73

A native of Westbrook has died in Eagle, Idaho.

Robert Lee Knudson, 73, of Eagle, Idaho, died Feb.  5, 2019.   Robert, or Bob as he was known to his friends, was born to Emerald and Elizabeth Knudson on Jan.  16, 1946 in Windom.  He was graduated from Westbrook High School in 1964 and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Telecommunications from St Mary’s University. 

As one of the world’s first computer technicians, Bob traveled extensively for 24 years repairing Unisys computers, before becoming an instructor at Dakota County Technical College, where he taught for 18 years.   

For many years, he was active in the Legislative Evaluation Association,  which tracked the votes of Minnesota legislators, and reported the results to the public. He was active and president of his St. Paul church for many years. 

His bachelor life came to an end in 1997, when he married the church’s new organist, Sharon Johnson.

They lived together in St. Paul, and then Vadnais Heights, before moving to Eagle, Idaho in 2016. 

He is survived by his wife of 21 years,  Sharon Knudson, stepdaughter Jessie (Dominic) Nilo, and four grandchildren: Alicia (Sam) Nilo, Jared Nilo, Janae Nilo, and Alyee Willets. Robert also leaves behind his sisters Betsy (Seth) Schmidt and Marilyn (Keith) Carey, and brother Jon (Sheila) Knudson, and ten beloved nieces and nephews.   

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Janice (David) Baune, and his stepdaughter JoEllen Sue Johnson.   

Bob enjoyed fishing, taking long drives, and dining out. He loved people and prayed for his loved ones daily in his devotional time. More than anything, he loved Jesus and ministering to people in His name.   

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb.  9, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Boise. Internment was in Dry Creek Cemetery near Boise. 

A separate memorial service is planned in Minnesota for Bob’s Midwest family and friends later this winter.