Arthur J. Knudsen

Knudsen, Arthur J.
His legacy continues...Arthur J. Knudsen, January 23, 1918 to March 29, 2011. Retired Lt. Colonel Arthur J. Knudsen left many memories for his family and friends. A legacy in his time with an outstanding military career with honors: Arthur entered the Army Air Corp as an aviation cadet in July 1943 and then started flying the C-47 dropping army paratroopers over Germany in 1944. He continued flying paratroopers over Germany until the end of World War II in 1945. During WW II Arthur was in the 52nd Wing, 315th Group, and 43rd Squadron, 939 Enlisted, World War II Pilot. Art entered the Air Cadet program in 1943 and was commissioned as a reserve office with pilot wings. He was released from active duty at the end of WW II in 1946. While in the Air Force Reserve, he was still flying aircraft out of the St. Paul, Minnesota airport. During his time in the Air Force Reserve, he worked for Brown and Bigelow in the sale of advertisement in the El Paso Texas area. Arthur was recalled back to active duty in 1948 to fly the C-54 aircraft during the Berlin Airlift. At the conclusion of the Berlin Airlift, Arthur continued his military career until retirement in 1966. Arthur's outstanding military career following World War II began in 1949 - C54 transition in Great Falls, Montana: 1948 - 1949 Berlin Airlift; 1950 Lubbock (Rees AFB) flew B-25's and Athletic officer, Library etc.: 1952 - Information Officer at Perrin AFB, Texas and flying T-6's, B-25's, and T-28's; 1954 - Williams AFB, Arizona as a Flight Instructor; 1955 to 1956 - Recruiting Office, Milwaukee, WI flying F80's and T-33's; 1957 to 1960 - Headquarters European Command as Air Force Liaison Officer managing all U.S. Air Force sponsored visits to Europe and flew C47's in Berlin, Oslo and Copenhagen; 1961 to 1966 - Recruiting and Advertising/Publicity for Air Force at Chanute AFB, Rantoul, Illinois; 1966 - Retired as Lt. Colonel in Palmer Lake, Colorado (pictured above). In 1969 moved to Phoenix, Arizona where he resided until 1978 when he relocated following his marriage to Dorothy Splittgerber to Anacortes, Washington; Leavenworth, Washington and his final residence in Wenatchee, Washington where he enjoyed hiking, boating and snow skiing well into his 80's Preceded in death by his first wife Helen Knudsen (1977) and most recently Dorothy Knudsen in 2005. Survived by his children Thomas Knudsen (Mona Krewson), Cheryl Badger, Chris Knudsen , Jody Gettinger (husband Harold Gettinger) and Michele Arrandale (husband Frank). Arthur is survived by his brother Don Knudsen (wife Edna) and Douglas Knudsen (wife Barbara). Arthur was preceded in death by his sister Doris Picard (Knudsen). Arthur is survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren and nephews and nieces. Arthur was a member of the Most Worshipful Grand Lode of A.F. & A.M. of the state of Illinois for over 50 years and was recently recognized as a Master Mason. Arthur was known to tell the best war stories from World War II in which he successfully completed many missions. He was one not to brag about his accomplishments. Arthur is best known for his integrity, work ethic, endearment by his family and being a good provider to his family. Graveside service will be held on Friday, April 22, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in Arthur's memory to the Alzheimer's Association at Alzheimer's.org. If your preference is to send flowers, please direct them to Emeritus Senior Living Facility specializing in
Alzheimer's care at 9296 W. Union Hills, Phoenix, Arizona where Arthur resided for the last six years of his life. An Emeritus Memorial Service, a "Celebration of Arthur's Life" is being held on April 23, 2011 at 1:00 P.M.