Gerald F. "Bud" Knudson

February 10, 1929 - November 13, 2020

Gerald F. “Bud” Knudson, 91, of Girard, IL. passed away Friday, November 13, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 10, 1929 in Dawson, N.D. the son of Newton and Mary (Gunning) Knudson. He married Judith K. Smith on December 17, 1983 in Champaign, IL. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Virden, IL.,a member of the Knights of Columbus, Rotary Club, American Legion, the Elks Club of Carlinville, the Auburn VFW and he served as President of the Virden School Board. Bud was employed by Farmers and Merchants State Bank serving as Bank President. He went on to work for Hulchers Emergency Services after that he retired from Chrisman National Bank also serving as Bank President. After retirement he still continued working part-time in the banking industry at Prairie State Bank. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time in his yard taking pride on his plants and flowers, reading, solving crossword puzzles, and hunting with his son. His greatest love of all was spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of Girard, IL.; six children, Kathy (Ray) Edwards of Noblesville, IN., Beth (Greg) Smith of Girard, IL., David (Cheryl) Knudson of Thayer, IL., Kristin Boster of Girard, IL., Lisa (Tim Knudson) Kiel of Girard, IL. and Jennifer (Scott) Benefield of Mt. Juliet, TN.; nineteen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dan Knudson of Nixa, MO. and Dick (Verna) Knudson of Carlinville, IL.; two sisters Doris Knutzman . and Mary Ann Maltby both of Carlinville, IL. and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, two children, JoEllyn Beane and Daniel Knudson, three brothers, Ralph, John, and Jim. Cremation rights were accorded. Private burial will take place at West Cemetery in Thayer, IL. at a later date. For more information or to sign the on-line guest book go to www.eighnerfuneralhomes.com. Burkhart-Eighner Funeral Home 606 E. Arnold Street Sandwich, IL. 60548 (815) 786-2165