Arlene P. Knudsen

Arlene P.

Knudsen

(October 27, 1922 –

January 5, 2024)

Arlene P. Knudsen was born October 27, 1922, on a dairy farm in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, to Elmer and Julia Perkins, the youngest of three children.

Living through the depression, all became competent at milking by hand, running the team and all daily chores including tending the chicken, hogs and sheep, haying, oats and corn, gardening, canning, cooking on a wood stove, gathering firewood and packing water from the well. During winter storms, stretching ropes between the house, barn and hog house were accepting necessities.

Arlene and her brothers attended a one room schoolhouse a mile from their home, walking or in bad weather her dad would hitch up the team and they would keep their feet warm on a soapstone wrapped in blankets.

After WWII Arlene married George Knudsen (5/19/1922-10/4/04), an Army Air Corps veteran, June 16, 1948. They raised three sons: Jeff, Kirk and Brad. While raising a family she worked as a professional secretary at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, volunteered at church and as a den mother. She was a prolific Norwegian rosemaler. Her artistic works are now displayed in homes across the world. In her retirement, she visited Norway and her roots, fulfilling a life-long dream.

In 2017, as a widow, she purchased a home in Saco, MT, moving in next door to her son, Kirk. Arlene lived a comfortable life until her passing January 5th of renal failure in the compassionate care of Phillips County Hospital. In 102 years of life she saw many changes.

The family would like to thank the community, friends and services that were a part of her life here in Montana. They made her days richer and more enjoyable. To name a few: caregivers Dawn Jensen, Brian Yes, Amber Simpson and Gale Young; special friends Roberta Christopherson and Debbie Whitaker; Saco Lutheran Church women's auxiliary and youth group; PCHC providers, nurses and support staff. Cremation has taken place at Wilderness Funeral home. A memorial service is planned for the spring in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, where she will be placed amongst family.