In Memory of Burdelle Knudsen

Burdelle Knudsen, age 74, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center of Omaha, Nebraska.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 8, 2022, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Richard A. Salcido will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa. A Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.   

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Homes of Ida Grove, Iowa, are in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com
 

    Burdelle Edward Knudsen was born on February 6, 1948, to Marven and Helen (Jensen) Knudsen in Battle Creek, Iowa.  He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at Trinity Lutheran Church of rural Ida Grove, Iowa. He attended Trinity until transferring to St. Paul Lutheran of Ida Grove in 1967.  Burdelle received his education in Ida Grove Public School system, where he graduated in 1966. 

  On March 12, 1967, Burdelle married his high school sweetheart, Darnelle Christiansen, in the St. Paul Lutheran Church. The couple was blessed with two sons, Cordell and Chris. The family lived, worked and breathed farming.  Being the fourth generation to work the home farm was a privilege to Burdelle, who was born a farmer and died a farmer.  He so loved feeding his cattle and raising grain using only green equipment.  His children, and later his grandchildren, were taught the art of farming from a seat on the fender of Burdelle’s tractor.

   Besides his passion for farming Burdelle was very involved in his community. He drove a school bus for Ida Grove Public School for nine years, has served as the Hayes Township Clerk since 1985, acted as an Ida County Soil Commissioner, and was a member of the Ida County Cattleman’s Association. Burdelle was a co-leader of the Grant Good Guys 4-H club and a 4-H county committee member.  He worked as a Farmer’s Mutual Hail Insurance Adjuster for 23 years and became an agent in 1995. Burdelle was also a writer and authored several articles for The Green Magazine because of his love for green equipment, also he joined the John Deere Two-Cylinder Club.

   Burdelle’s greatest love was his family, especially his grandchildren.  He was a kind and gentle soul with an abundance of patience.

   He is survived by his wife Darnelle Knudsen of Ida Grove, IA; his sons Cordell (Barb) Knudsen of Ida Grove, IA, and Chris Knudsen of Ida Grove, IA; five grandchildren: Kyle (Sam) Knudsen of Battle Creek, IA, Katie (Trey) Riessen of Battle Creek, IA, Kollin Knudsen of Ida Grove, IA; Hayley Knudsen (fiancé Ethan Uhl) of Cushing, IA, and Dallas Knudsen of Ida Grove, IA; two great-grandchildren Trenton Riessen and Dell Knudsen; brother Marelle Knudsen of Ida Grove, IA; brother-in-law Steve (Sue) Christiansen of Nixa, MO; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

   He was preceded in death by his parents Marven and Helen (Jensen) Knudsen; infant sister Maretta Knudsen; sister-in-law Cheryl Knudsen; parents-in-law Morrelle and Darlene Christiansen; step-father LeRoy Schagt, and brother-in-law Todd Christiansen.