Harold Laurence Knudsen Sr., 86, of Park Rapids died Friday, Nov. 3, 2006 at Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids.

He was born Aug. 30, 1920 to Samuel and Hannah (Pedersen) Knudsen in Goodwin, NE. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Jack Knox. At age 9, they moved to Sioux City, IA where he graduated from Central High School. He enlisted in the US Marines and served during World War II at the Mojave Training Base. In 1948, he was honorably discharged as a Staff Sgt. and retuned to Sioux City. He worked in the pork processing plant as a pipe fitter.

He married Nancy L. Mullen April 28, 1962 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell, SD. They moved to Park Rapids where he worked as a pipe fitter/welder. From 1970 to 1976, he owned a small business.

He was a member of the Pipe Fitter’s Union 126, Detroit Lakes until retirement in 1983, Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post 212 and the Masons, both of Park Rapids, Sons of Norway in Sioux City and was the founder of the Mojave Desert Marine Corps Assn. in 1989.

He is survived by his wife, five children, Harold Laurence Jr. of Sioux Falls, SD, Terri L. (Sally Dost) of Havre DeGrace, MD, John (Ginger) Aymond of Naperville, IL, Paul of Washington, D.C. and Trudy (Charles) Conti of Barrington, IL; two brothers, Jack (Arlene) Knox of Crown Point, IN and Howard Knox of Sioux City; eight grand-children, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Walter and sister, Clara White.

Funeral: Tuesday, Nov. 7 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Two Inlets with Father Dennis Wieland officiating.

Casketbearers: Jim Mullen, Richard Strauss, John Schulz, Gary Korsgaden, Harold Jr. and Karl Knudsen.

Interment: St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Two Inlets.

Military honors were provided by Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post 212, the Marine Corps League Ceremonial Burial Team with Taps played by Ray Vaadeland (USN).

Family wishes to express its heartfelt support to the overwhelming prayers, support and outstanding medical and hospice and spiritual care extended by family, friends, neighbors, medical community, and members and clergy of Park Rapids, Minnesota.

Expressions of condolescence may be emailed to his wife Nancy at (click on the following email link to immediately send an email) hnknudsen@webtv.net or via United States Postal Service to 26219 County 89, Park Rapids, MN  56470

"Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, United States Marine AND Leader."