Hilman Allan Knudsvig

Hilman Allan Knudsvig, 92, of Buxton, ND passed away peacefully on July 12th, 2025 after a brief stay at Luther Memorial Home in Mayville, ND.

Hilman was born on the family farm in rural Buxton, ND on June 29th, 1933 to Christopher and Emma (Kveen) Knudsvig. He was the middle of 5 boys and grew up helping his parents and brothers on the farm. He attended Buxton Country School through 8th grade and graduated as a Buxton Cardinal in 1951 where he played baseball and basketball with some of his brothers. After graduating high school, he attended college at Mayville State College for 1 year and Aakers Business College for 1 year.

After his schooling Hilman spent a brief time working on the railroad. In October of 1956, Hilman enlisted in the army. He sailed from New York to Bremerhaven, Germany on the General Seymour Buchner troop ship in 1957. He spent the next year serving our country in Germany before returning to the states and being honorably discharged from the army in October of 1958. In 1961, Hilman started his life-long career working for American Crystal Sugar in East Grand Forks. During his time at American Crystal Sugar, he also worked for Clifton Odegaard and farmed alongside his brothers Martin and Gerald until his nephew David took over the family farm. Hilman retired from American Crystal Sugar in 1995.

Hilman was an active member of Ny Stavanger Lutheran Church, the Buxton Senior Center and the American Legion. He also loved sports. He was a huge supporter of both UND and Mayville State athletics as well as the Central Valley Valiants (where he was awarded Most Loyal Fan for the years of 1992-93 and 2010-11) and the HCV Burros. He attended many games for all of these schools and others over the years. However, he was perhaps an even bigger Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions fan. He watched many of their games on TV. During his retirement years, Hilman regularly enjoyed his visits during coffee hour at Cenex in Buxton.

Hilman will be remembered for being very frugal and generous; his love of gardening, raising chickens; his quiet faith; and his love for his family.

He is survived by two sisters-in-law: Karen Knudsvig of Buxton, ND and Karen Knudsvig of Grand Forks, ND; three nephews Todd Knudsvig, Paul Knudsvig, David (Erica) Knudsvig, and five nieces; Tanya (Jim) LaTour, Lisa (Peter) Lindgren, Terri (Steve) Wuollet, Sheila (Ben) McClenahen, and Sara (Doug) Taylor, and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Hilman was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers – Martin, Harry, Gerald, Everett and Kenneth; his sisters-in-law Idell and Donna, his nephew Curtis, and his great-great niece Orlue. Blessed be the memory of Hilman.

Memorials are preferred to be given to Buxton Cemetery Fund, Ny Stavanger Lutheran Church or an organization of your choice.

Visitation: Will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: Will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, July 18, 2025 at the Ny Stavenger Free Lutheran Church in Buxton, ND.

Military Honors: May~Port Honor Guard and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors.

Burial: Will be in Immanuel Cemetery North in Buxton, ND.