Theodore (Ted) Knudson
Theodore (Ted) Elmer Knudson passed away peacefully at home on February 1, 2025, one week shy of his 83rd birthday, surrounded by his loving family.
Ted was born on February 8, 1942, in Selz, North Dakota, to Elmer and Theresia (Heilman) Knudson. He grew up in a large, close-knit family, with his late brother, Loren Knudson, and his surviving siblings, Janet Saindon, Andrew Knudson, Emery Knudson, Rita Ann Strand, Mary Lou Pursell, Kara Kay Wormsbecker, Shawn Knudson, Lynn Knudson, and Ann Edwards.
Ted met the love of his life, Ruth (Salmonson), during his senior year of high school, and they shared an incredible journey of 65 years together. He passed away on the very day of their 61st wedding anniversary, a testament to their lifelong bond. Together, they raised four children: Jay Knudson (Stephanie), Natalie Way (Paul), Jon Knudson, and Kristin Gaines (Chris). Ted was a devoted grandfather to Taylor Knudson, Sydney (Knudson) Mitchell (Jake), Kyley Knudson, Karly Knudson, Kirsten Way, Seth Way, Skyler Knudson, Laila Gaines, Kiera Gaines, and Celia Gaines, and a proud great-grandfather to Georgia Mitchell.
Ted’s career was defined by his dedication to serving others. He began as a barber at the Minot, ND, Air Force Base before relocating to Mountain Home, ID, in 1965 to work at the Mtn. Home Air Force base as the barber at the NCO club. He later became a Restitution Officer and then a Juvenile Probation Officer for Elmore County, where he worked closely with the district court. He took great pride in his work with youth, guiding those in his probation program toward positive, productive paths in life. He also secured many grants to help improve the juvenile program. One of his many accomplishments was a grant to create a juvenile holding facility in Mtn. Home so that the juveniles did not have to be transported to another city.
Ted also owned and operated Van’s Insulation Company, helping area homeowners improve energy efficiency in their homes.
His desire to help local youth led him to coach Little League baseball in Mountain Home, where he played a key role in founding the local Little League program and building its first baseball field.
A man of strong faith, Ted was a devoted member of the Catholic Church. He was actively involved in his community, serving on the board of Our Lady of Good Counsel, volunteering with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, participating in the Lions Club & in the Marriage Encounter ministry for many years. Beyond his professional and community contributions, Ted found joy in the outdoors. He was an avid golfer and an enthusiastic hunter. He cherished time spent at the family cabin in Featherville, Idaho, where he created lasting memories with loved ones. He loved watching old western movies and reading, especially Louis L'Amour books.
Ted and Ruth shared a love for travel, exploring many countries together. A particularly special trip took them to Sweden, where they reconnected with Ruth’s relatives, who later visited them in Idaho as well. In retirement, they spent 11 wonderful winters in Arizona, where Ted discovered his creative side. He enjoyed working with ceramics, crafting rope bowls, and making cowboy boot mirrors, some of which he generously donated to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation auction. Ted was known for his patience, kindness, and unwavering support for those around him. He was a loyal friend and mentor to many, always ready with a listening ear and a helping hand.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, on May 31, 2025, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Mountain Home, Idaho.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, P.O. Box 802, Mountain Home, ID 83647, in Ted’s memory.
Ted’s legacy of service, kindness, and love will live on in the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.