Leslie Knudsen, 93, died on Sunday, April 10, 2011 at Pathstone Living on Sibley Park in Mankato.
He was born October 20, 1917 in Geneva, MN the son of Carl and Sofie (Johansen) Knudsen. He attended school in Geneva and graduated from Ellendale High School in 1934. He was united in marraige to Mildred Anderson on August 31, 1940. He was a veteran of WWII.
Leslie worked in the grocery business, road construction, and the greenhouse/floral business. He also operated a root beer stand, sold insurance, and was a building supervisor. After retirement, he worked as a courier for travel agencies.
His hobbies and interests included gardening, music, sports, scouting, stamp collecting and was a volunteer greeter at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. He was recognized in a New York Times article as the “Mayor of the Mall.”
He is survived by his children Stephen (Gail) Knudsen, Bella Vista, AR; Frederick (Eileen) Knudsen, Owatonna; Jane (Philip) Wold, Mankato; and Juliann Knudsen, Eden Prairie; six grandchldren and 11 great-grandchikdren.
He was preceded in death by both parents; his wife Mildred (2005); and siblings Ege Knudsen, Luella Gurvin and Sonja Olson.
Graveside services will be conducted on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at Geneva Cemetery with Rev. Carrie McElfresh officiating. The Cremation Society of Minnesota is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association or Pathstone Living in Mankato, MN.