Clifford Knudson

Clifford “Swede” Knudson was born in Stanley, N.D., Dec. 11, 1913. He was one of seven children born to Christian and Molly (Almberg) Knudson, both of whom immigrated from Norway. Dad went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2005. Cliff, along with his family, moved to Plentywood, at 2 years of age. He graduated from Plentywood High School in 1934. In the 1930s, the family moved to Trout Creek. Before he entered the service in March 1942, he worked for the Forest Service, helped build the Thompson Falls High School and worked in the mines in Idaho. He was honorably discharged from the Army in November 1944. He started his bartending career at the Oxford Bar in Havre. He moved to Wolf Point in 1949 and met his future wife, Patricia Maedke, at the Wolf Point Stampede. They were married Sept. 25, 1949, in Culbertson. Three daughters were born to this union, Christie, Linda and Terry. Cliff purchased the Log Cabin Bar in Poplar and owned it for 30 years. After he retired, Dad and Mom spent 14 winters in Mesa and Sun Lakes, Ariz. In 1993, they moved back to Billings, where they have lived since. Dad was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Amy Kautsky, on Jan. 18, 2005; his parents; and by two brothers, Alfred and Elmer; and two sisters, Josephine and Minnie. Cliff is survived by one brother, Norman, and one sister, Olga Kiser. He is also survived by his wife of 55 years, Pat; his three daughters, Christie Kautsky of Billings, Linda (Tom) Clark of Brockton and Terry Knudson of Kalispell; grandchildren Tom (Nina) Clark and their children Cole, Mercadeez and Jordan, Chuck Clark and Terrence Crow and Terrence’s son Casey. He also leaves behind his cat, Marvey. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at Cremation or Funeral Gallery, with inurnment in Mountview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Help for Homeless Pets, 2910 Hannon Road, Billings, MT 59101. Dad, You were the greatest, Our Hero. We will love you forever. From, your wife, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.