John G. Knudsen

John G. Knudsen, age 82, of New London, peacefully went home to heaven on Saturday, December 2, 2023, while doing his favorite thing, working on his faithful tractor - "Bertha" in "Papa's Shop." He was born in the Town of Deer Creek, Outagamie County, on October 8, 1941, son of the late George and Mildred (Seivers) Knudsen.

John learned the value of hard work as a child, not really given a choice. When he wasn't working on the family farm, he attended Bear Creek grade school and high school. He often reminded his grandchildren how important education is because his was limited...he learned a lot on the job. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1964-1966 and had the utmost respect for his fellow veterans.

He met his future wife, Beverly Kusserow, at a local establishment and was instantly smitten. He asked her if she would like to "grab a cheeseburger" and the rest is history. They were married on July 13, 1968, and just happily celebrated 55 years of partnership, loving and supporting one another, making each other laugh and keeping God at the center always. They shared a glass of wine together (over ice) before supper, and after supper you would probably catch him with a molasses cookie, or two or three, leaving evidence in his whiskers or a trail behind him. John and Bev's last words to each other every night were "ove due."

Boldt Construction in Appleton was fortunate to have him for 35 years, first as a Heavy Equipment Operator and then the Heavy Equipment Maintenance Supervisor, retiring in 2002. "Take care of the iron" was his signature phrase, always giving his best for the company he was proud to be part of.  He mentored so many people over the years, and countless others benefited from his servant's heart, his creative designs, and his loyalty as a friend.

His hands told it all... 82 years those hands were into some kind of mischief or another. We often described him as "wood and dirt," the core of his love for the outdoors. His home and land showed the pride he had for taking care of his space. He loved to stay active, working land for farmers, planting or tending to trees and flowers at home or his land on the Little Wolf River, riding his Harley, working in "Papa's Shop" tinkering with all kinds of projects and caring for his beloved dog and companion Oscar - "Friend". Unless an injury "ooh owah" or a surgery prevented it (and there were many), he never missed a year of cutting and splitting wood. He kept his home warm by the work of his hands. John and Bev enjoyed sitting by the woodstove, cozying up after a hard day's work. Recently, he was diagnosed with early onset dementia, but he worked hard to keep his memory active and said, "If I can just stay home as long as possible and work in my shed, water my flowers and ride my tractor, then I'll be happy." Thanks be to God that he allowed him to do that until the end.

John didn't know what it meant to relax, unless he was enjoying time on the beach with Bev, family, friends, and the many new friends he made while visiting Anna Maria Island, FL the past 20 years. He looked forward to the Florida sun every winter.

If you knew John well enough, you probably had a nickname, because that was his trademark. He made people feel special, he made them smile, he loved to tease and make jokes, and to really get to know people and spend time with them. He worked hard but was never too busy for his family - teaching the value of hard work, to be kind to others and look out for those who needed help. He loved unconditionally and adored his girls, his son-in-laws, and grandchildren, sharing so many life lessons through the years.

Those who will miss him so dearly include his wife, Bev; daughters: Heather "Sam" (Jon "Mort") Dahlke and their children, Payton "Big Guy", Ava "Mouse" (Reed Hafeman), Alaina "Screech" (Isaiah Ulman) and Amani "Tud"; Kara "Boo" (Brian "Dip") Nowak and their children, Everett "E", Callum "Chen Chies" and Dane "Minor"; sisters: Nancy (Ray) Faehling and Janet Van Ornum; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Jane (Stuart) Boese, Roger (Linda) Kusserow, Paul (Cindy) Kusserow; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and his special friends: Geno, and also the crew from "The Hemorrhoid Club" where he served as the "Historian".

Besides his parents, those who went on to heaven before him include his daughter, Anne Marie; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Arthur and Lorene Kusserow; siblings: Jeanne (Don) Hanson and Tom Knudsen; niece Tina Friedrich and nephew Donnie Hanson.

The Christian Memorial Service for John will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Emanuel Lutheran Church, New London, with Rev. William Heiges officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the church on Sunday, December 10, 2023, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM and on Monday prior to the service from 9:00 - 10:45 AM. Burial will be in Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Lebanon. Please join John's family for "vittles" after the service in the church basement.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Time of Grace Ministries, the Arbor Day Foundation, or Emanuel Lutheran Church.

Papa, you were "Quality." We learned so much from you. Thank you for teaching us so many things, especially about Jesus and His love for us, and supporting us in all we did. We love you always - your grandchildren. "Yup, love you too."

Dad, thank you for your dedication to us, mom, Jon and Brian, and your grandchildren, and for being an example to us all of what a hard-working, God-fearing Christian is. You were larger than life to us and our hero. Your legacy will be carried on and you will never be forgotten. - Sam and Boo

John, thank you for always making me laugh, taking care of me, traveling with me and for encouraging me to travel with my friends; for sharing my life with me, you were the best and I am blessed with many years of wonderful memories... "ove due" always. - Bev

"I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on, there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will give it to me on that day, and not only to me but also to everyone who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8