Mickey Knudson

Green Bay - Mickey Knudson, 76, passed away peacefully on Tuesday Sept. 15 after suffering a massive heart attack.

Mickey was born in Kingsford, MI on Nov. 23, 1943 to Floyd and Leala Knudson. He graduated from Green Bay West High in 1962 where he excelled in athletics. After college graduation, Mickey pursued his interest in progressive education. Mickey was instrumental in founding Aldo Leopold Community School in 1976 where he taught until his retirement in 2001.

Mickey is survived by his loving wife, soul mate and best friend Renee Knudson.

His children Dan (Rebecca) Knudson, Peter Mortensen, Carrie (Rick) Wilson, Kristin (Paul) Kerkhoff, Eric (Annie) Knudson, Matt Knudson.

His grandchildren; Austin and Riley Kerkhoff, Frank, Sam and Jacob Schroyer, Aryana and Gavin Knudson, Sophia Knudson, Emmet, Oliver and Arlo Knudson.

Mickey is preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Leala Knudson, his Mother and Father-in-law Evelyn and Edward Doyle and his granddaughter Katie Marie Wilson.

Mickey was a firm believer in kindness and acceptance for all.

Mickey's wishes were for no funeral or service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Nature Conservancy.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Green Bay Press-Gazette from Sep. 18 to Sep. 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Mickey Knudson

Sponsored by Hansen Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Green Bay.

43 Entries

Sandra Shackelford

September 12, 2023

What a wonderful human being you were, Mickey. You impacted the lives of so many of us. And I'm one of those fortunate people. Sandra Shackelford

Aaron McDowell

November 19, 2020

Mickey was one of the greatest teachers that I've ever had. He was a central figure during the time I spent at Howe Alternative as a youth.
He opened up his home to us for "taco parties" with his wife Renee, and conducted himself with a supreme level of generosity and kindness.
His memory will be a blessing for all of his students.

Debra H Galaty

September 26, 2020

Mickey changed the path of my life and I will always be thankful for his support and guidance as a learner. Some 50 years after being his student I can clearly remember so many learning experience at Martin School. While building a little house inside the school none of us knew we were learning math. Learning was exciting and fun. I learned to love poetry. I had teachers who really saw me. Mostly I learned that there was a big world out there waiting to be explored, I learned to believe I had something to offer, and I learned it is okay to take a risk. Such lucky students we were to pass through his life. How wonderful to get the message that the world is full of possibilities, opportunities, adventure and friendship. I hope that our country returns to valuing public education, civic engagement and inclusion of all people because that would be the greatest compliment we could give to Mickey and honor his lifetime of service to public education. Mr. Knutson, thank you for steering me down such a wonderful path. I am forever grateful.
Your former student at Morgan L Martin Elementary School, Debra (Herlache) Galaty, Portland, OR

Jesse K

September 26, 2020

Mickey, without a doubt, saved my life after my Father died in 7th grade. I had already been a difficult student who acted out badly enough that I was likely not always deserving of the slack that he granted. Many teachers would have felt justified in writing me off much earlier. Both before and after that period, Mickey did not hesitate to let me know when my actions missed the mark, but he did so with such kindness and grace that it was ultimately impossible to take it the wrong way. He never gave up on me and, as a result, I never gave up on myself. He was one of the main influences of my childhood, and his actions and words helped teach me the value of empathy.

After my Father died, I was exceedingly needy and nearly numb with long term depression. During that period, Mickey was the main male role model in my life. Having already been such a difficult child, going through that loss could have caused me to spiral out of control. I was, to put it kindly, a mess. By making such an effort to include me in activities, showing me kindness, and showing me how to act in the world, I feel that Mickey was the main reason that I avoided going to pieces completely. As much as he helped me back then, his influence was felt long after that period. Even after I left Aldo, when I encountered difficult situations in life, Mickey's example was something that I looked to in order to figure out what the right thing to do was.

I was just one of thousands of kids who were privileged enough to know Mickey. He touched an incredible amount of lives, and I know that I was far from the only person who he was there for when it was needed. He did a great deal of good in the world, and I am one of many people whose life was better for having known him.

Jordan Allen

September 24, 2020

Mickey was one of my main teachers at Aldo during 7th and 8th grade, around 1999-2000. Later in life, I would go on to become a teacher myself, and I ended up also teaching 7th and 8th grade out in California. It's difficult to convey how extraordinary of a human being Mickey was for that very specific age group. 7th and 8th grade are commonly recognized as the most difficult ages to teach, because the kids are dealing with puberty, exploding with hormones, and are often for the first time in their lives enduring serious peer pressure, and are also trying to test or push the limits of what they can get away with in front of adults. Teachers who have power or control issues tend not to fair well in the 7th or 8th grade classroom. But Mickey seems like he was born for it. Having been in his classes for two full years, I never once felt like he was demanding that I or my friends do anything unreasonable or unfair. He gave us absolutely nothing to rebel against, largely because he was just so likable. He seemed to always be in a good mood, and he effectively leveraged the positive relationships he built with his students to motivate them, instead of relying on threats of disciplinary punishment if we failed to comply with his directions.

I remember that he'd sometimes play Bob Dylan CDs in class. I remember the current events days, when he'd wheel in the big box TV on the elevated cart so we could watch some clips of the news. I developed a fascination with current events in these classes, and Mickey recognized in me that I had a talent for discussing the issues we'd cover. I'd later go on to get a degree in Political Science in Milwaukee. Mickey was also part of what in my time seemed like the most epic capstone project of middle school at Aldo: Sim City. What an absolute thrill that was for everyone involved. Mickey also had us do one on one practice job interviews with him at one point. When my turn was up, he adopted a mock-serious tone of voice that was unnatural to him. He said, "Good morning Mr. Allen, welcome to our law firm, Knutson, Knutson and Knutson."

Mickey was the perfect kind of personality to teach one of the hardest groups of students to reach, developmentally. And he seemed to do it with ease, good humor, and genuine enjoyment.

I'm grateful to Mickey and to Renee for the time they dedicated to us at Aldo. I only wish I would have been able to tell him this before it was too late.

Jacob Aslakson

September 24, 2020

To Renee & the extended Knudson family,

I'm in tears seeing the wonderful memories everyone has posted. I'm sorry that the world has lost Mickey but I'm grateful to be one of the people to understand the loss. I often hear people talk about being replaceable but Mickey just simply isn't. Renee, you are not replaceable either and your impact on me is larger than Mickey's--and his was huge.

Mickey helped me realize that not being a math whiz wasn't the end of the world, to just relax and think--and the understanding would simply appear (it did). And if I cheated off my dear mathematically gifted friend Joe Abbott, the only person cheated was me. During an extended best-friend argument stand-off between myself and Joe, complete with non-negotiable pre-conditions to come to the table and resolve the problem (whatever it was), Mickey (and Renee) took the opportunity to teach us about extortion, extorting feelings from one another. Friends don't do that. It was a high-level concept and discussion for some 6th graders. But it was on-point and I've never forgotten it.

I have a dozen or so Mickey stories I think I could share, but I think I have a niche story to share (I've LOVED the bridge stories, the taco party stories, the volleyball stories--I was an uncaffeinated kid showing up for volleyball before dawn AND I've got that Knudson taco recipe in my recipe book yaaaaaay!).

This might appear to be a lax supervision story but it's the opposite. It's a story about Mickey's omnipresence. I don't think this is hyperbole, but my recollection is that his legendary status for this reason had been cemented by the time I reached the top floor of Aldo Leopold.

Sim City. We had a civics-type exercise involving old refrigerator boxes. Cut out the front and slap a post office sign on it. Repeat for city hall, for the city treasurer, the fire department etc. Dole out an appropriate amount of currency to make the city run and watch the kids tax each other, watch inflation rise and the city run amok and then de-construct how it happened and what lessons could be learned.

One lunch hour, myself and some friends (the know who they are) decided we'd throw some scissors at the empty sim city-boxes. Brilliant. Do a Mickey check. No Mickey? Ok, it's a go for the scissor-throw. First pair of scissors in-hand, ready for launch and Mickey materializes in the door way, hands on hips. No scissor launch.

Thank you for not letting us throw those scissors Mickey. We love you. We miss you.

Jake Aslakson

Annette Schmitz Wilkinson

September 24, 2020

I had Mr. Knudson as one of my teachers at Morgan L. Martin Elementary School in 1970-71, or maybe the year after. He was phenomenal and everyone loved him. He taught us how to be thinkers. He was loved and will surely be missed by many. Safe travels to the other side Mickey, until we meet again! Blessings and love to Renee, we loved you too!

Missy

September 23, 2020

Dearest Renee, I am so sad to hear of Mickey's passing. He was such an inspiration. You both helped mold me into who I am today.

Love always, Missy VanCamp (Missy Niemuth)

Maggie FM

September 21, 2020

Mickey and Renee were the anchors of my Aldo experience . Who would have thought that teaching a bunch of 11-year-olds to play bridge would make the game go viral? Or that you could entice preteens out of bed before dawn to play uncaffeinated volleyball?

In retrospect the dearest lesson I learned from Mickey is that kids are interesting, complex, and full of dignity . Thank you for always treating me like the adult I felt I was. Sending love and condolences to Renee and all your family.

Kenn Kiesner

September 20, 2020

Condolences to Rene and all Mickey’s family. I worked together with Mickey at ML Martin until he left for Howe (Aldo). Good person. Good sense of humor. Fine educator.
Peace and Blessings in memories.

Joe Abbott

September 20, 2020

Mickey was an incredible man with a heart of gold and always seemed to know exactly what needed to be said, or done, in every situation.

I was a student of his and I will never forget the impact he had on my life. I am so thankful for all of the encouragement and time I got to spend with him.

As a kid struggling with my multiplication tables, he helped motivate me and I ended up obtaining my bachelor's degree in Mathematical Statistics. There were Taco parties, Bridge, volleyball, and countless lessons learned along the way, in and outside the classroom. He even played one-handed HORSE with me during a lock-in as I had a broken wrist and was limited in what I could do.

My final school year with him, I actually got him to sign my yearbook. He wrote a simple message that I have not forgotten, I will never forget, and I will always cherish for the rest of my life.

Thank you for everything, and the countless lives and families you have positively impacted. You made the world a better place. You will be missed.

Richard Servais

September 20, 2020

Mickey was also the manager of the Sometime Home Coffee House on Broadway from when it opened (1968?) into the early 70s. He was a great selection as the place was run by the kids but needed an adult presence to be open. He was quietly in the back ground, always supportive but never trying to force his agenda. It was the kids place and he deeply respected that. He was available if ever we needed one on one time, but mostly just watched and listened and enjoyed the time he spent with all of us. His style helped many of us grow in confidence and leadership styles. He was a great influence on all of us.

Arthur and JoAnn Hood

September 20, 2020

Mickey made you happy to see him. Great conversations about everything under the sun. RIP brother.

Kirk Miller

September 20, 2020

Sending condolences, love, and hugs to Renee and the entire family. Mickey help me become a better reader. I was behind, he was open to re-testing and getting me access to the next level text book. While there was less judgement of needing some extra effort in certain areas, I knew I could do better. Mickey believed in me. I’m so blessed to have been a part of the Aldo family, the taco parties w/ great video games, and the kindness Mickey, and you Renee, showed us. His legacy is a great one. ❤
Kirk Miller and the Miller family- Arnie, Diane, Renée, Kelly, and Keri.

Susan

September 20, 2020

This man was amazing. He was one of the best teachers I had. He will be missed .

Susan Milburn (St.Louis)
Student

Kathleen Kosnar (Trask)

September 20, 2020

Please accept my sincere condolences. I went to high school with Mickey and he was a very good guy-- intelligent, talented, decent, and kind. I was aware of his accomplishments in education and establishing a special concept school for Green Bay. He left an important legacy.
kthk

Wanda Truttmann Sieber

September 20, 2020

Me. I was my teacher at Martin school. I vividly remember him reading us a book about the alternative school, Summerhill. It changed how I thought about schools and impacted how I eventually parented my children. A good teacher is a great treasure.

Dave Gazeley

September 20, 2020

Sending my sympathies to Renee and the family. If asked about an influential teacher, I think of Mickey. While certainly skilled at teaching the 1,2,3s and ABCs, Mickey's true gift to all his students was a refreshing view on self learning, being in-tune with current events, and how to treat others. Also, there is always time for volleyball. I'm forever grateful to have been his student....... Rest in peace, Mickey. Sincerely, Dave Gazeley

Cathy Oswell Maney

September 19, 2020

Howe Alternative Elementary. I remember him and his wife Renee so vividly. I remember the taco parties at their house! And the best thing...the amazing teachers they both were. Renee and family, I am so sad for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was amazing. May he rest in peace!

Tim Northway

September 19, 2020

Was one of many lucky students to have met this great, kind, gentle & sweet man. Every day goes by I think of him & his co workers when I was at Whitney elementary school. Those of us that where lucky to have crossed paths with him, knows how much he will be missed. Mickey thank you for teaching all of us the way you did. You will not be forgotten. To your family, Prayers to you all. In our thoughts and prayers from the Northway family to yours.

Ryan Parrott

September 19, 2020

One of the best teachers ever. He would challenge you to look at things in many different ways. A kind soul he will be missed.

Adam Friese

September 19, 2020

Mickey was my teacher for 7th and 8th grade at Aldo Leopold. He was a profound influence to myself and countless others - a real "people person" who taught me about leadership by example and the value of being kind, patient, respectful, and compassionate to all. I hadn't seen Mickey in many years, but thought about him often. May he rest in peace.

Anne

September 19, 2020

Such a great loss. Truly a great teacher and kind spirit. Gave me confidence as a student and person. My sympathys.

Anne

September 19, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Sandra Johnsen

September 19, 2020

We were sad to hear about Mickey's passing. Mickey and Renee were our daughters' teachers in Green Bay. They taught them to be self directed learners that led them to study Mathematics (Kristianna) and Landscape Architecture (Randi). No words can express the gratitude we feel toward the Knudson team. Sandy and Per Johnsen

Katie Philippi

September 19, 2020

Mickey was an incredible person and educator.

Aldo was a K-8 School and as a 1st grader at the time, I heard of the stories about how great 7th and 8th grade was because he was there alongside his wife, Renee, and Dr. Hutchinson, all legacies to the Aldo Leopold name.

Here and there from that point forward, I would see Mickey around school, with a friendly smile on his face.

Between those stories I had heard in 1st grade and seeing him around the halls of Aldo, it motivated me to be his student, despite not having the ability to make those decisions. By 8th grade, I had the privilege of being his student, just as I wanted the years before. Mickey met every expectation of those stories and his friendly nature I had become accustomed with. Mickey was someone that the students could turn to as a trusting adult. He made school fun and enjoyable for all of us. Outside of school, he and Renee would host their famous taco parties, host school lock-ins and invite us to play volleyball in the gym prior to school starting. It was an experience I always will look back as a positive experience, despite having learning difficulties.

My condolences to Renee and their family on their loss.

Karen (DeBauche) Gratke

September 19, 2020

I was at Whitney, then Howe for 3-6th grade. Mickey helped shape the self-confident, strong leader I became. His influence in my life cannot be described in a simple note. My heart goes out to Renée and all who loved him. The world is a better place because this man lived.

Kim Witte gauthier

September 19, 2020

Micky was my teacher at Whitney school for 3or 4 years. He was way more than just a teacher! He made time for every single student. His neat personality really had a way to make ya want to try your best and he was always their to root ya on till it was done. If ya were having a bad day he would talk to you until you didn’t think your day was so bad. Thank you Micky for the best school years of my life!! Rest In Peace!!! Coolest teacher ever!!!

Kim R Diaz

September 19, 2020

Condolences to the family. Mickey and Renee had such a profound impact on my son, Gerrard Diaz. Aldo Leopold was like a family which help me so much as a single parent. Margaret, Mickey and Renee helped me to raise my son to be a fine man. You taught him to love reading and writing. He became a sports editor before his death in 2015. I will always remember the good memories of Aldo school and the Knutson parties and famous taco's. May your family have peace in your memories.

Tricia James

September 19, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person.
My time at Whitney was the most memorable...may Our Creator hold the family in His hands, I am blessed and honored to have been a part of this family through both of their teaching. May God bless you Renee,Peter, Dan , Kristin and the rest....
A'ho

Joseph G. Smeall

September 19, 2020

I had the honor of being in Mickey Knudson's classroom when I was in seventh grade. By common acknowledgement among educators, seventh grade is the most difficult year most kids go through. Teaching kids at that age is no easy task, even for the most capable of teachers.

What a gracious whim of fate it was, to have had Mickey Knudson be the one to ferry me through it.

My favorite Mickey story was when he taught Literature Sections. One of Mickey's book report projects was that students could read a novel of their choice, and then remove a blank ceiling tile, and use supplies borrowed from the art room to paint a picture that visually represented whatever they thought was most important about the novel's literary components.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban had just been published in the US when I had Mickey for this Literature class. For my ceiling tile that I painted on, Mickey directed me to find a single sentence, out of the entire 400-page novel, that summed up its most important point, like an expository essay.

The sentence I eventually settled on was Albus Dumbledore teaching Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, about the necessity of corroborating evidence, when overturning a false conviction:

"There is not a shred of proof to support Black's innocence, other than your word."

That ceiling tile, with that quotation, still regards the classroom in the Old Saint Joseph's Academy Building, where Mickey Knudson once taught Literature Sections.

Thank you, Mickey, for being a visionary genius on par with Albus Dumbledore. We will all miss you very much.

"To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure."

Mona Howes

September 18, 2020

I’m so sorry to hear about your wonderful father. Both Renee and Mickey were my school teachers and I remember how much they loved New Orleans their delicious tacos which I crave to this day and I was even blessed with one of their gerbils. I have great memories of Mickey and I wish his family peace...

Samantha Pommier

September 18, 2020

Thoughts and prayers for family and friends. I will always remember Mickey and Renee as teachers at Howe Alternative. If we did well, we had taco partys at their house!! Rest in peace.

Sarah (Zimonick) Pagel

September 18, 2020

Mickey was an amazing human and teacher. His kindness and acceptance touched so many students- inspiring many of us to become teachers ourselves. Sending love to everyone his life has touched.

Carrie (Gazeley) Charles

September 18, 2020

Dear Renee and Family,

I’m so, so sad to hear of Mickey’s passing.

Having had all the Howe Alternative teachers in my life is something I reflect on often. So much so that I chose to have our kids attend a Montessori school that reminds me of my joyous time there.

I cannot begin to describe the all ways in which Mickey showed, by example, the kindness of spirit and the zest for life that we all tried to emulate. Be it pitching enthusiastically during kickball, playing bridge a bit “too long” during game hour, or coaching me through earning a 3 in my freebie folder and having to find a way to dig myself out, Mickey was always a calm, encouraging, and steady presence.

He touched so many lives and he will be greatly missed....

With great sadness and sympathy, I send my thoughts to you all.

Diann Funderburg

September 18, 2020

Mackey was a wonderful teacher and I am so glad that he was there for Leah. Prayers for Renee and the family.

Jacqueline Frank

September 18, 2020

Mickey was far more than just my 7th grade teacher. He taught academic subjects, but more than anything he showed all of his students how to be better people. He taught me to follow what was right, to be accountable and to channel my energy into things that can positively change the community. I often think that I would have been in trouble in my teens and 20s had he not stepped in early. I also attribute those early values to my professional success as well as my own commitment to kindness and tolerance to his influence. He will be deeply missed.

Marie Tonnon

September 18, 2020

Renee and family,
Even though I have not seen you in many years, it seems as though it was yesterday when both you and Mickey taught my children how to live life through life. You encouraged our four daughters to become the unique individuals they have become. I will be forever grateful for the care and love you both gave them.

When my parents died five days apart you consoled my daughters and helped them heal. I send that consolation back to all of you a hundred times over.

Mickeys kindness and love lives on in each of you and in all the students and their families that he (and you Renee) helped to become their best selves!

Affectionately,
Marie Tonnon

Samantha Vanden Plas

September 18, 2020

This breaks my heart seeing the passing of amazing person; Mickey. He was such an inspiration, and a wonderful teacher. Best parts of Aldo were taco nights at the Knudson's house. There are so many fond memories with him and his wife, you will be greatly missed! My condolences to Renee and the Family.

Lynn and Stuart Lang

September 18, 2020

Mickey and Renee had significant positive influence on our 3 sons, helping and leading to them becoming great students, workers, and human beings. Thank you, Mickey!

Patti Sommers

September 18, 2020

I remember Mr. Knudson from Elmore school, along with his wife, Renee. The highlight of the year was always the taco party at their house on Ethel street. Some teachers you never forget.... Patti Sommers Weronka

richar bohn

September 18, 2020

i played legion baseball and he was my catcher. we won the state of wisconsin title and went to bismark dakota. we played together all the way down to jr. high. when he would catch me at a game the ball came back to me harder then i threw it. super guy!! richard bohn

sandra shackelford

September 18, 2020

My heart breaks. What a good man. He was committed to all of his students, opening their hearts and minds to all that was possible within them. What a difference one committed human being can make. Sending love to Midkey's wife, Renee, and family.
Sandra Shackelford

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