Everett C. Knudsvig

Everett Curtis Knudsvig, 88, of Grand Forks, ND passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024.

Everett was born April 18, 1935, on the family farm near Buxton, ND in the same house his  father and siblings were born. He was the 5th of 6 sons of Christopher and Emma (Kveen) Knudsvig. He was baptized at Ny Stavanger Lutheran Church, Buxton, ND and was confirmed  at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Mayville, ND. Everett married Karen LeAnn Torkelson June 4,1960 in Ambrose, ND.

He attended elementary school at Buxton Common #1 and graduated from Buxton High School. He received his Bachelors of Science Degree from Mayville State Teachers College, and his Masters Degree in Education Administration and Specialists Diploma in Educational  Administration from the University of North Dakota. He also attended Drake University in Des Moines, IA for additional post-graduate studies.

Everett enlisted in the Army National Guard Medical Corps while beginning his career teaching in Cogswell, ND. Two years later he became a teacher and Principal in Inkster, ND. A consolidation of area schools created Midway High School in which he became the first  Principal eventually transitioning into Superintendent. He accepted the position in Garrison, ND as Superintendent and in 1968 was hired as the Associate Principal of Red River High School in Grand Forks, ND. The following year he was named the Principal, a position he held until his retirement in 1995. His love of education, students, and faculty over nearly 3 decades in his role there bequeathed him with the title of “Mr. Red River” by the staff at that time. He was also awarded the first Super Spa Supporter for his belief in the importance of the arts. Everett was the first administrator to be inducted into the Grand Forks Teachers Hall of Fame in 2000. He was surprised by being further recognized by having the street approaching the new main entrance named “Knudsvig Drive”. For a humble, modest, and simple man such as himself this  was a great honor. At the dedication ceremony he shared all credit going to the faculty and staff who supported him during his tenure there. Everett held several positions in the city, state, and national Secondary School Principal Associations.

He was involved in many professional, civic, and charitable organizations. He was an active member of Kiwanis. He and Karen were involved with Sons of Norway, the Red Cross, University Lutheran Church followed by 43 years at Calvary Lutheran Church.

His youth was filled with a strong faith, hard work, and many activities with his brothers. He was a student of life, appreciated nature, and most importantly loved his family dearly and was very proud of each one. In the years following his retirement he enjoyed spending time and traveling with his wife on personal vacations to visit his children and grandchildren. He stayed busy with various jobs until finally fulfilling his boyhood dream of becoming part of the family farm. He worked with his sons to farm, renovate, and update many features. These last years he enjoyed his weekly breakfast “meetings” with both his men’s bible study and retired administrators groups.

Everett was preceded in death by his son Curtis, his parents Christopher and Emma, and brothers Harry, Martin, Gerald, and Kenneth.

He is survived by his wife, Karen, his children Lisa (Peter) Lindgren, Paul Knudsvig, David (Erica) Knudsvig, and daughter-in-law Christine Clodfelter, his grandchildren Tyler and Kyle, Quinn and Dylan, Ellie and Jack, and “grandchildren” Kylie and Kalea, his brother Hilman; brothers-in-law,   Ryan (Susan) Torkelson, Dennis Thomte; sisters-in-law,  Karen (Gerald) Knudsvig, and Merle Torkelson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024 in Calvary Lutheran Church, 1405 S. 9th St., Grand Forks.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service in the church.  Interment will be at  Immanuel Lutheran Church North Cemetery #3, Buxton, North Dakota at a later date.

Memorials are preferred to the Grand Forks Foundation for Education.

The funeral service will be available via livestream on Calvary Lutheran Church website.  www.calvarygf.org.