Theodore J. Knudson

1932 - 2025

Theodore J. Knudson

ONALASKA - Teddy's gone, but he's going to be remembered. He was born in La Crosse. to Borgild E. Neilsen and Theodore J. Knudson on May 12, 1932. Coming from the depression years, he lived a full and eventful life, full of experiences and successes that took him from a great education at UW - L to 14 years of aerospace positions within the USA, and to more than 22 years with the European Space Agency (ESA) in Europe. There, his duties and executive positions included traversing the European continent from one end to the other. He enjoyed many fine experiences while dealing with his European outer space programs and their related governmental and industry leaders.

In 1950, Ted graduated from La Crosse Central High School. He then served four years with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

Upon returning after his service tenure, he went on to receive his BS Degree at UW-L in 1960. Always willing to learn more, Ted received post graduate college training at the U of Florida, the Mass. Institute of Technology and the Florida Institute of Tech. He was very well known for his employment successes while located at the J.F. Kennedy Space Center and later as the Head of Logistics for the European Space Agency in The Netherlands.

In 2015, Ted received the Maurice O. Graff "Most Distinguished Alumnus" award from the UW-L Alumni Association. He also traveled as a member of the 18th Veterans Freedom Flight to Washington, D.C. After many years of his motivational endeavors, Ted retired in La Crosse, and with Yvonne, enjoying a lifestyle of dining out and playing golf and cards with his friends and local buddies.

Ted was first married to Dolores B. Kurtz, in Milwaukee, Wis. in 1960. They had two fine sons, Ted M. and Carl N. They were divorced in 1980.

Ted then happily remarried in 1982 to Yvonne Affourtit, a Dutch national. He and Yvonne were inseparable and celebrated life's rewards together while travelling the world and visiting with their respective families and friends, both in the USA and in Europe. They have for many years continued to spend their winters vacationing in Cocoa Beach, Fla.

Ted was preceded in death by his mother in 1933, his father in 1989 and his admired younger brother, Dr. Thomas A. Knudson, in 2016. He is survived by his beloved wife, Yvonne, and his two wonderful sons, Ted Michael, in California and Carl Nicholas, in Florida; a grandson, Ted Michael Jr., in Florida; a niece, Inger, living in Colorado; and a cousin, Knute, in Colorado.

"Teddy" will be sorely missed for his easy going disposition and congenial smile and always ready sense of humor. He will be most missed in his favorite sport - golf. We'll ask him to "keep it in the fairway" up there.

Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com.