John Knudson

MARSEILLES – John C. Knudson, 68, of Marseilles, passed away Sunday, June 10, 2018 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.  There will be no visitation.  Gladfelter Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

John was born August 28, 1949 in Ottawa, the son of Russell M. and Rosalie (Brunetto) Knudson.  He married Jeanne Wright June 6, 1970 at the First Congregational Church of Marseilles.  Surviving are his wife, Jeanne, of Marseilles; his mother, Rosalie Knudson, of Ottawa; his children, Robert (Jill) Knudson of Glenarm, Richard (Jen) Knudson, of Naperville, and Rusty (Jenn) Knudson, of Marseilles; a brother, Jim Knudson, of Marseilles; two sisters, Pam Muzzarelli, of Marseilles and Peggy Waddell, of Ottawa; his grandchildren, Jack, Ally, Kellan, Xavier, Blayden, and Russell Knudson; as well as many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father.

John was a graduate of Marseilles High School and attended Western Illinois University.  He was the Business Administrator for Labor Local 393 Marseilles.  He proudly served in the United States Army and was a disabled veteran of the Viet Nam War.  He enjoyed reading and working crossword puzzles.  He loved to golf and ran the Prairie Lake Friday morning golf league.  John dearly enjoyed attending White Sox games with his sons and pals.  He served as Superintendent of the Marseilles Water and Sewer Department and served as Mayor of Marseilles from 1983 till 2003.  He coached girls’ basketball at Marseilles Elementary School.  He dearly loved his family, and especially cherished his time spent with his grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Disabled American Veterans or the American Cancer Society.