Helen M. Knudson

MADISON - Helen M. Knudson, age 95, of Madison, died on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, at Chamomile Assisted Living with her loving family at her side. The former Helen M. Rue was born July 23, 1919, to Norwegian immigrants, Halvor and Minnie (Nelson) Rue, at their Meadow Vale farm in the township of Arena. Helen graduated from the Arena Union Free High School in 1937. On March 20, 1941, she married Alton Knudson, who was a corporal stationed at Fort Sheridan, Ill. Helen and Alton enjoyed weekends and vacations at their lakeside cottages, where they hosted many happy gatherings of family and friends. Helen worked many years at Karmenta nursing home, and then retired. Besides caring for her husband, she put her heart and soul into her artwork. She sold many paintings of birds, animals, cars and buildings. Helen is survived by her daughter, Cindy (Tom) Dollak of Madison; her granddaughter, Darcy Widmer of Waunakee; and grandson, Dan (Susan) Borchardt of McFarland; step-grandsons, Tom (Joan) Dollak, Tim (Diane) Dollak, and Patrick (Nina) Dollak; great-grandson, Benjamin Borchardt; great-granddaughters, Allyson Borchardt and Rylie Widmer; step-great-grandchildren, Kayla and Ryan Dollak, Kyle, Sarah, and Sophie Dollak; one sister, Beulah Uren of Mount Horeb; two brothers, Marvin Rue of Barneveld and Harland (JoAnn) Rue of Mount Horeb. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alton in 1992; grandson-in-law, Jay Widmer; a brother, Henry; sisters and brothers-in-law, Alice and Kermit Carden, and Mabel and Wallace Knudson; brother-in-law, Lawrence Uren; and sister-in-law, Betty Rue. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, at LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4032 Monona Drive, Madison, with pastor Stephen Marsh officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Friday. Helen's family wishes to thank the Agrace Amber group and Chamomile Assisted Living for their exceptional care of Helen. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608)442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com