John E. Knudson, Jr.

A memorial service was held March 2, 2026, in Grand Forks, N.D., for John Knudson, Jr., who entered his heavenly home on Feb. 22, 2026, at the age of 85, surrounded by family following a brief illness. Interment was at Calvary Lutheran Church columbarium.

John Ellsworth Knudson, Jr. was born Oct. 15, 1940, in Langdon, N.D., to John and Elsie Knudson. Following high school, he attended the University of North Dakota and Aaker’s Business College. He married his high school sweetheart, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Ridley, on Jan. 26, 1962; they recently celebrated 64 years of marriage.

John’s main career was with Northern States Power (now Xcel Energy) for over 35 years, where he was blessed by friendships forged with colleagues and their families that continue to this day. John and Jackie were avid UND fans and loved supporting the home team, especially UND hockey. For those who knew John’s heart for a good game, it’s no surprise that he was with us until Team USA secured the gold medal in overtime.

John loved his family and found great joy in sharing the cabin at Grace Lake with family and friends alike. His Grace Lake neighbors are treasured friends as well. Connections and community were the threads that wove his life together. He was always making conversation and was sure to find some point of both connection and community if he talked to you long enough. He had a generous spirit and was ready to share a cup of coffee, a story, or lend a hand. He loved doing crossword puzzles, going for a drive to see how the crops were doing, and sharing a blizzard (the DQ kind) with Jackie. He was a man of faith in God who marveled at the beauty of a sunset and miracles in life and nature.

John is survived by wife, Jackie; their five children: Sue Ellen (Steve) Olson of Apple Valley, Minn., Eric (Jen) Knudson of Grand Forks, N.D., Julie Ramlo of Eden Prairie, Minn., Scott (Tammy) Knudson of Grand Forks, and Becky (Joe) Bryan of Grand Forks. He was a proud and loving grandfather to 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. John is also survived by his brother, Eldon “Bub” (Jan) Knudson, of Langdon, N.D.; sisters-in-law Cindy Ridley of Garden City, Idaho; and Judy (Steve) Gossett of Seattle, Wash.; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law Gary (Joyce) Ridley and John Ridley.

The family would like to thank the Edgewood Assisted Living community for the support given to John and Jackie this past winter, as well as the staff at Altru Hospital for John’s care.

Arrangements were with Amundson Funeral and Cremation Services. An online guestbook is available at amundsonfuneral.com Memorials may be given to Calvary Lutheran Church, the Grand Forks Children’s Museum, the University of North Dakota or the donor’s choice.