Marlys Johanna Knudsen

Marlys Johanna (Lowe) Knudsen, born August 16th, 1925 was sent to her eternal home on September 7th, 2025 at the age of 100. Marlys was born at home in Beaver Creek, MN at her parents farm near Garretson, SD. Her parents Olga Julia Steneberg-Lowe & Lee Arthur Lowe were blessed with 7 more children throughout the years. When Marlys was 14, her mother Olga passed away from a mastoid ear infection which devastated the family. Despite her father Lee struggling to keep all the children together, it wasn't possible. Each child was raised by their Godparents with the exception of the youngest child, months old, being adopted to a loving family. It was Marlys who remained a loving, caring and constant role model to all of her siblings keeping them close throughout their lives. Marlys and her siblings attended an old-fashioned country school. She graduated from Garretson High School in 1943. She then met the love her life, Robert Van Knudsen, at a ballroom dance in Souix Falls, SD. They married on October 8th, 1944 and celebrated 52 years together until Bob passed away on May 17th, 1997. During their time together they lived in Honduras, South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota. They loved to travel together and brought their children on many trips. Summers at their house on Medicine Lake often included extended family visits, boating, fishing and lots of love. Marlys loved children and enjoyed volunteering on the maternity floor at North Memorial Hospital and at Golden Valley Infant Care Center. She also provided child care for friends of the family earning her the role of honorary grandmother to many throughout the years. She was a member of Golden Valley Church quilting circle and delivered Meals on Wheels. She took an active role in the lives of her grandchildren and had a knack for bringing family together creating many cherished memories. She loved sharing her life stories with all who visited her. On August 16th, 2025, Marlys celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by a lot of love at her senior living home in Elk River, MN. She was delighted to see so many relatives and friends who traveled from near and far to see her. Marlys was the heart of her family. Her wisdom was profound, her hugs were healing, and her door was always open. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she passed down, the recipes she shared, and the values she instilled. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her. Marlys was preceded in death by her loving husband Robert Van Knudsen, parents Lee & Olga Lowe, her sisters JoAnn (Fran) Crawford, Orla Flanigan, Carol Olsen, her brothers James (Ardis) Lowe, Leo (Barbara) Lowe, Martin (Dorothy) Lowe, George (Helen) Lowe. She is survived by son Robert James Knudsen, daughter Judi (Jerry) Mossak, grandchildren Tawnee Lovinski, Jennifer (Jeff) Parsons, James Mossak, Jeffrey (Maureen) Mossak, great-grandchildren Tyler Mossak, Matthew Parsons, Brynn Mossak, Kayla Parsons, honorary grandchildren Lindsey (Seavert) Harrison, Allyson (Seavert) Hammer, Kelly (Peterson) Olson, Kristina Peterson, honorary great-grandchildren Sophie/Sam/Oliver Olson, Stellan/Phoebe Harrison, Ty/Landyn Hammer and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at 11am Friday, September 19th, 2025 followed by the funeral service at 12pm at Golden Valley Lutheran Church, 5501 Glenwood Avenue, Golden Valley, MN 55422. Burial will take place at 11:30am Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55450-1199.

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Marlys Johanna Knudsen

August 16, 1925 - September 7, 2025

Tributes

Marlys Johanna Knudsen

August 16, 1925 - September 7, 2025

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