John E. Knudson, Jr.

John Knudson, Jr., entered his heavenly home on February 22, 2026, at the age of 85, surrounded by family following a brief illness.

John Ellsworth Knudson, Jr. was born October 15, 1940, in Langdon, North Dakota to John and Elsie (Berg) Knudson. Following high school, he moved to Grand Forks and attended the University of North Dakota and Aaker’s Business College. John married his high school sweetheart, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Ridley on January 26, 1962; they recently celebrated 64 years of marriage.

John’s main career was with Northern States Power (now Xcel Energy) for over 35 years. While he enjoyed his role, he would tell you the friendships he and his family forged with colleagues and their families were the biggest blessing. Indeed, those bonds of friendship between families remain ongoing even now.

John and Jackie were avid UND Athletics fans and loved supporting the home team, especially UND Hockey. For those who knew John’s heart for a good game, it’s no surprise that he was with us until Team USA secured the gold medal in overtime.

John loved his family and found great joy in sharing the cabin at Grace Lake with family and friends alike. While often there was a project to be done, there was also an abundance of food, fun, and fellowship. His Grace Lake neighbors are treasured friends as well.

Connections and community were threads that wove his life together. He was always making conversation and was sure to find some point of both connection and community if he talked to you long enough. He had a generous spirit and was ready to share a cup of coffee, a story, or lend a hand. He loved doing crossword puzzles, going for a drive to see how the crops were doing, and sharing a blizzard (the DQ kind) with Jackie. He was a man of faith in God who marveled at the beauty of a sunset and miracles in life and nature.

John is survived by wife Jackie; their five children Sue Ellen (Steve) Olson, Apple Valley, MN; Eric (Jen) Knudson, Grand Forks; Julie Ramlo, Eden Prairie, MN; Scott (Tammy) Knudson, Grand Forks; and Becky (Joe) Bryan, Grand Forks. He was a proud and loving grandfather to eleven grandchildren and thirteen (almost fourteen!) great grandchildren. Grandchildren are Ben (Kimmy), Dan (Lara), Tim (Amber), Katie, Ethan, Grace, Brooke, Sophie, Amanda (Josh), Maggie, and Jack. Great-grandchildren are Henrik, Alex, Elisabeth, Ezra, Edee, Zeke, Jocelyn, Thomas, Jordan, Anna, Barrett, Jameson, and Austin. John is also survived by his brother Eldon “Bub” (Jan) Knudson of Langdon, ND, sisters in law Cindy Ridley of Garden City, Idaho and Judy (Steve) Gossett of Seattle, Washington as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers in law Gary (Joyce) Ridley, and John Ridley.

The family would like to thank the Edgewood Assisted Living community for the support given to John and Jackie this past winter, as well as the staff at Altru Hospital for John’s care. Thank you to all who join us in celebrating who John was and all he taught us about how to live with generosity and kindness.

Visitation will be from 3-5 pm with a 4:30 pm Prayer Service on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 South 42nd Street, Grand Forks and will continue for one hour prior to service at the church. Memorial Services will be Monday, March 2, 2026, at 11 am with lunch to follow at Calvary Lutheran Church, 1405 S. 9th St. Grand Forks. Interment will be in Calvary Lutheran Church Columbarium. The service will be livestreamed at www.calvarygf.org. 

Memorials may be given to Calvary Lutheran Church, the Grand Forks Children’s Museum, the University of North Dakota or the charity of the donor’s choice.