Friday, March 29, 2024

Evelyn R. Knudson, 60, rural Racine, Minn.

Evelyn R. Knudson, 60, of rural Racine, Minn., formerly a longtime Dodge Center resident, passed away on Friday, April 30, 2021, following a short illness, at Mayo Clinic – Saint Marys Campus, where she had been a patient for the past three weeks.

Evelyn Rose Ballinger was  born on July 4, 1960 in Rochester to George and Patricia (Carson) Ballinger. She grew up on the family farm, attended Stewartville schools, graduating from Stewartville High School in 1979. 

Evelyn was married on June 20, 1981 to Harold Knudson. The couple moved to rural Dodge Center, where they raised their children and made their home for many years. Evelyn was a homemaker and was employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center for 25 years, until her health caused her early retirement.

Harold was employed as a welder for many years, most of them at McNeilus Companies in Dodge Center. They moved to rural Racine in 2008.

Evelyn was a past member of Dodge Center United Methodist and was currently a member of the Racine United Methodist Church where she was confirmed as a child.

She enjoyed horses as a young girl, belonging to the Racine Saddle Club and participated in barrel racing. She was an avid photographer and did some wedding photography for family and friends. She and Harold enjoyed going to Arizona in the winter for a few years, trips to Branson, Mo. and enjoyed going to stock car races. She loved time spent with family, especially with her grandchildren.

Evelyn is survived by her husband of 40 years – Harold; one daughter and three sons -   Eric Knudson and Matthew Knudson both of Mantorville and Daniel Knudson (Kris Tollefson) of Owatonna, and Cheyenne Nordby of  Mankato; her mother – Pat Ballinger of rural Racine; nine grandchildren – Kaelin, Alicia, Daxton, Lillian, Victoria, Cyrus, Kaiden, Kylie and Timothy;  sister – Helen (John) Swain of Racine; two brothers – Gregory Ballinger (Milissa Bornholdt) and  Stephen Ballinger both of Spring Valley .

She was preceded in death by three infant daughters – Ruby Ann, Heidi and Le Ann, her father George, and in-laws  - Kenneth and Dorothy Knudson. 

A  Memorial Service was held on Thursday, May 6, 2021, at the United Methodist Church in Stewartville with Rev. Bridget Sheely officiating. Burial followed at Hamilton Cemetery in rural Fillmore County.

Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Evelyn are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.

 

 

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