David Dale Knudson, 77

David Dale Knudson, 77, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026 at Catalina Springs Memory Care in Tucson, Arizona. A man of modesty and quiet strength, Dave endured many years living with dementia stemming from a traumatic brain injury he sustained as a young adult. Dave was born on December, 25, 1948 to Kenneth and Dorothy Knudson in Dodge Center, MN.

Dave was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969. He served with distinction in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970, receiving numerous medals for his combat service on the front lines. Shortly after his military service, Dave settled and raised his family in Kasson, Minnesota.

Dave subsequently moved to Arizona, preferring the desert sun to the cold Minnesota winters. It was there that he found a touch of "mild fame." With his iconic long handlebar mustache and authentic cowboy look, he became a favorite of movie directors, appearing as an extra in films like Boys on the Side and Tin Cup.

A man of quiet disposition, Dave expressed his soul through country music and poetry. He was an award-winning poet and enjoyed plucking his guitar while softly singing the country songs he loved. His happiest hours were spent building and flying model airplanes and taxiing and co-piloting small aircraft with his brotherhood of lifelong friends garnered in the aviation community.

In a final act of generosity, Dave donated his body to the University of Arizona College of Medicine to support the education of future medical professionals.

Dave is survived by his long time partner, Helen Knudson, three sons, Damon (Jennifer) Knudson, Dustin (Amber) Knudson and Darin (Ann) Knudson, eight grandchildren, and siblings Jerald (Debra) Knudson, Rodney Knudson, Gregory Knudson, Donald (Mary Kay) Knudson, Harold Knudson, and Dorothy “Susie” Laqua. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Timothy Knudson and baby boy Knudson.

A celebration of life will be held from 11 am - 2 pm on Saturday, April 25th, at the Kasson American Legion.