Wilma J. Knudson

Wilma J. Knudson, 83, of Petaluma, CA., died October 18, 2010, in South San Francisco. (Florence) Wilma Jeanette Knudson was born on October 24, 1926 in Minnewaukan, North Dakota, the daughter of Ed and Ida (Gjefle) Thorstenson. Wilma was the youngest of nine children in this farming family. As a teenager, she and her sister Stella and her mother moved to Fargo, where she attended Central High School. After high school, she worked for the telephone company in finance and billing. After the Second World War, she met Brenton Knudson. They married in Fargo on August 31, 1947. Later that year, they moved to the Washington D.C. area. There they raised a family for ten years before settling in Northern California. Wilma and family moved to Los Altos in March of 1960. Wilma worked as an accountant for nearly 30 years at Sears "San Antonio" and San Rafael stores. Wilma was full of life and energy. She loved bowling and gardening. She had a particular passion for skiing and skied into her late seventies. She will be missed by friends and family. Wilma was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Brenton, who died in 2005; four brothers; and a sister. She is survived by her children: Bradley C. (Rosita) Knudson of National City, Ca; Linda (John Ainley) Knudson of Soquel, Ca., William (Lisa) Knudson of New York City, NY, and Brenda (Harold) Cicerone of Pacifica, CA; eight grandchildren; three siblings, Stella Karges of Fargo, ND; Selma McCullough of Gastonia, NC, and Otto (Eleanor) Thorstenson of Waukon, IA; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waukon, IA., with Pastor Ken Kimball officiating. Friends may greet the family following the services. Martin Funeral Home of Waukon, IA is handling arrangements and on-line condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.