Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Kutis Funeral Home, Inc, St. Louis City Chapel

2906 Gravois Avenue

Saint Louis, Missouri

Richard Knudsen Obituary

Knudsen, Rev. Richard Alan passed away Monday, April 14, 2014 at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. He was born December 9, 1933 to Bertel and Elize Knudsen. He is survived by his sister Marie Schaffer and brother James Knudsen. Richard was an Episcopal minister for many years at St. James Church in St. Clair, MO and St. John Church in Sullivan, MO. He retired from the ministry and was a teacher at the East Central College in Union, MO. Services: Funeral from KUTIS CITY CHAPEL, 2906 Gravois, Friday, April 18 at 11 a.m. Interment St. Matthew Cemetery. Memorials to the charity of your choice appreciated. Visitation Thursday 4-8 p.m.

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

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Apr. 16, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Knudsen

Not sure what to say?





Carl Robertson

January 3, 2018

I was one of the very first 6 students in Mr. Knudsen's very first class of Comparative Religions he offered at East Central College. I think that was 1975. He was the kindest and most accepting person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I promoted his classes of Biblical Lit. I & II successfully securing Dick (his preference of name) Knudsen's professorship. We were friends for many years and I learned so much from one of the most brilliant professors I have ever known. Farewell old friend.

Cheryl Ehrhard

May 1, 2014

Dr. Knudsen was an alum of Lutheran Central in St. Louis, Missouri. I had the pleasure of speaking with him several times. He way always very kind and generous. May God comfort his family in this time of loss. Cheryl Ehrhard, Lutheran High School Association of St. Louis Alumni Coordinator

Zina Gardner

April 25, 2014

Mr. Knudsen was a wonderful instructor. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to take one of his ethics classes. He will be greatly missed.

Richard E. Terry

April 24, 2014

I had Richard for my Physical Science and Contemporary Ethics classes at East Central College between 2003 and 2005. There was a lot to be learned in his classes..not so much in the sense of work load being insane, but if you wanted to learn, he was willing to teach. I had a positive experience from being in his classes. I hate to hear that he's gone. Godspeed, Mr. Knudsen. Now you really are finding out the secrets of our Cosmos. God bless.

Kathy Pruett

April 22, 2014

I had Richard as a Philosophy and Living World Religion teacher at ECC in 1985 and 1986. I still, to this day, remember his class and his personality as one of the best times in my life. In fact, the education experience with him changed my life and opened up a world of thinking that I still use to this day. He was an excellent teacher, had a great sense of humor, and I remember him and his classes fondly. My condolences to his family.

Sarah Mayoral

April 19, 2014

Professor Knudsen was one of the most, if not THE most brilliant person I've ever met. I feel honored to have met him and he taught me so much. He was so kind I have no doubt he's is happy in heaven!

Cindy Prince

April 19, 2014

Our deepest sympathy. My son Sam highly admired Rev Knudsen in his philosophy class.

Barbara Knudsen

April 18, 2014

I have not seen my uncle in many, many years but I remember him as a kind and sweet person.

Titus Olajide

April 17, 2014

I had the privilege of first meeting Richard at Episcopal Church events, then he invited me to events at St. John's Episcopal Church in Sullivan, Mo where he and his members showered my family, friends and me with food, gifts and fun whenever we visited. I will miss him.

C. Sparks

April 17, 2014

I had Professor Knudsen this semester for my Ethics class. He was a great teacher and will be missed by many. Thank you for the laughs and the education you provided. My deepest sympathy to the family, the world lost a incredible man.

April 17, 2014

Rev. Knudsen was an ardent supporter of the arts at East Central College. He would purchase drawings from the students when they would display their work in art hall. When the community would have their work in the gallery, he would buy from local artists, supporting their endeavors. He bought a painting from me and he made my day! I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to the family of Rev. Knudsen, he made a mark in my life and the lives of ECC students.

Kathleen Boulay-Eaton

April 16, 2014

I had the privilege of taking two of Rev. Knudsen's classes at ECC. Each was a joy! His wit and excitement for his subject were contagious and you couldn't help but learn and enjoy. The world is a bit less charming without him in it.

Tanya McPherson Bishop

April 16, 2014

While working at ECC it was not unusual for Dr. Knudsen to purchase flowers or treats from one student organization or another and give them to the ladies in the Administration Department. It brightened many a day for us. He was so kind, thoughtful, selfless and supportive of anything student driven, focused or motivated. As a former coworker and student I believe I can confidently say we as a community have lost a priceless sole, a man with heart and patience for so much and so many. May God bless you Dr. Knudsen. Rest in peace.

Samuel Smith

April 16, 2014

Mr. Knudsen was the most incredible man I've ever had the honor of knowing. I am truly thankful that I was fortunate enough to be one of his students. He was a special man with a generous heart, and he was loved and respected by many. I will miss him deeply. Rest in peace, Mr. Knudsen. You deserve it.

Sharon Stout

April 16, 2014

Professor Knudsen introduced me to Carl Sagan at ECC and I'll always be thankful for that and him instilling my interest in Cosmos. Rest in peace, sir!

Haley Evert

April 16, 2014

Mr. Knudsen always made the class laugh with his jokes and jibes! i will miss him very much!

Liz Van Camp

April 16, 2014

He will be greatly missed. We always had the most interesting conversations!

Lisa Farrell

April 16, 2014

Dr. Knudsen was always a "Friend of the ECC Library" donating books to the collection and purchasing the books from our sale..(and generously paying more than the price we charged) A man of great knowledge and generosity who will be missed.

christy parmentier

April 16, 2014

Mr. Knudsen, was an amazing , and intelligent man. I am so glad I have had the honor of being a student of his and then a fellow employee he always had kind words. I also know that everyone on this campus has felt his kindness and generosity during his time here...Rest in Peace Richard

Brenda Garrison

April 16, 2014

Rev. Knudsen was a wonderful man with a giving spirit! I had the privilege of working with him for 28 years at ECC...wonderful man! He will be missed!

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Make a Donation
in Richard Knudsen's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Richard Knudsen

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Kutis Funeral Home, Inc, St. Louis City Chapel

2906 Gravois Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63118

How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard Knudsen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more