Richard John (Dick) Knudsen, of Jacksonville (age 88) passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2023. He was born January 20, 1935 to Fred and Gertrude Knudsen in Rockford, IL. He first moved to Jacksonville, FL in 1953 as a member of Squadron VP18, stationed at NAS Jacksonville, as a USN service member.
During his naval career, he and his family traveled extensively. His many duty stations included stints in Iceland, California, Washington, North Carolina and Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean.
His naval career took him around the world. He was a Vietnam Veteran and participated in the recovery of Apollo 12 after the second manned moon landing.
After retirement, he and his family returned to Jacksonville. After also retiring from Pullman Corp. and B. E. Aerospace, he and his wife Dorothy traveled throughout the US, crossing the country many times over a period of twenty years in four different motor homes. His sense of adventure and discovery was endless. He was a member and former president of Grace Lutheran Church. He enjoyed bowling, golfing and watching Jaguar and Florida Gator football.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marlene and brother Don. He is survived by his brother Al, his wife of 67 years, Dorothy and his sons, Kevin (Linda) of Apopka, FL, Randy (Janie) of Jacksonville, FL and Richard of LeRoy, IL, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
He was always a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed.
Kevin, Linda & Family
July 21, 2023, 7:50 am
Love You Dad!