Knut Hjeltnes

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father Knut Hjeltnes. Knut passed suddenly on January 17th at the age of 72 in Leesburg, Florida. He was a gentle giant; a calm person who was willing and able to talk to us about anything. He was an inspiration to us, and to all who were lucky enough to meet him. He was strong in body and in mind, handsome, kind to everyone he met, and had a contagious laugh that was heard frequently. He was a proud Norwegian of Viking heritage; a mountain man with a great head of hair. He loved nature, hiking and being outdoors.
Knut was born on December 8, 1951, in Ulvik, Norway and raised in Øystese, Norway. Knut was preceded in death by his parents Kristofer Hjeltnes and Gunnbjørg Hjeltnes (b. Djonne) and sister Aud (d. 3 yrs.). Knut's much loved surviving siblings in Norway are Nils Hjeltnes (Marit), Jorunn Hjeltnes (Olav Nordbø), Anna Hjeltnes (Gunnar Bernes) and multiple cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Our father's wife of the last 28 years is Colleen Mary Gorman-Hjeltnes and together they lived happily in Leesburg, FL near her parents Jim and Mary Gorman. Colleen loved our father deeply and always knew how to make him laugh. Jim and Mary loved our father like their own son Michael Gorman who passed in 2022. We can only hope they are together enjoying a Guinness and looking down on all of us.
He was previously married to our mother, Debbie, and together raised us 3 kids : Kristin Hjeltnes, (Deyano Manco) Gardiner, NY, Erik Hjeltnes (Brooke) Lakewood, Colorado and Daniel Hjeltnes (Breton) Clifton Park, NY. He had four much loved grandchildren: Charlotte (18), Graham (13), Paisley (6), and Madisyn (2).
Knut attended McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland and Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania.
He earned both a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physical Education Teaching and Coaching (1978) as well as a Master's of Science (MS) degree in Exercise Science & Professional Leadership (1986) from BYU in Provo, Utah.
His Master's in Exercise Science was recognized as a Cand.Mag. Degree in Sports Science/Idrettsvitenskap by the Norwegian Sports College.
During his entire life, our father Knut was an exceptionally gifted and talented athlete.
He won 20 Norwegian Championships in field events: 11 in discus and 9 in shot put and 1 bronze in javelin. He was ranked 2nd through 7th in the world from 1976 to 1988. He still holds the Norwegian national record in discus with 69.62 meters (228 feet, 5 inches) achieved in 1985. He also accomplished a personal best in the shot put of 20.55 meters (67 feet, 5 inches) in 1980.
During one of the great eras of discus throwing, Knut was a constant presence in the world rankings. He was a four-time Olympian in the discus (1976, 1980-boycott, 1984, 1988). His best Olympic placings were 4th place in 1984.
Mac Wilkins, 1976 Discus Throw Gold Medalist, wrote us saying that "Knut was a great man. He was invincible. Many will label and remember him by his world class athletic achievements. In my heart he epitomizes the enormous and often under-appreciated power of being a nice guy. Above all else, your dad was always a gentleman. He was like a brother to me. We shared many adventures traveling the world throwing the discus. We had an obvious bond in our throwing, but our connection was more than just throwing. He was always smiling; his sunny disposition brightened every room. People were drawn to his relaxed, warm personality. Your dad was quick to laugh and slow to anger and knew the right thing to say in any situation. After our shock and sadness at his passing leaves us, I think he would want us to remember his smile and joy he found in life."
Tom Petranoff, World Record Javelin Thrower from '83-'84 wrote "Your dad was the nicest guy thrower I ever met. You're lucky to have a dad like him."
Al Feuerbach, former American Olympian in the shot put wrote that "Your dad was a great friend, and we laughed a lot together in our international competition days."
His love for competition and passion for athletics led him into coaching for almost 20 years. During his career in coaching, he mentored and trained countless numbers of collegiate athletes. He recruited and coached both men's and women's Olympic throws at Auburn University Athletics. Prior to that he did the same at WestPoint Military Academy where he spent 14 years.
Knut Hjeltnes, our father, was a champion and we will love and miss him forever.
A celebration of Knut's life will be held in Norway and will be announced at a later date.