Russell Knudsen

Russell D. Knudsen, 86

Longtime Bainbridge Island resident Russell D. Knudsen died Nov. 11 with his family at his side. He was 86.

He was born July 6, 1922, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Aksel and Emma Knudsen. He was a proud Dane. Following his service in the U.S. Navy, marriage to Charlotte Hester in 1945, and graduation from Iowa State University in 1947, he moved his young family to the Northwest and began a long career at Boeing Co. as an aeronautical engineer. In 1956, he moved his growing family to a rambling beach home in Westwood on Bainbridge Island, which has since remained the family home.

He served proudly as an officer in the U. S. Navy during World War II aboard the aircraft carriers Hornet and Yorktown in the Pacific theater.

Completing active service, he remained a reserve officer until 1974 when he retired as a captain.

He joined the Boeing Co. in 1947 and had a long and successful career as an aeronautical engineer, responsible for conducting the wind tunnel testing and development of subsonic and supersonic aircraft. He retired in 1986.

He and Charlotte parented nine children and provided tirelessly and generously for their upbringing in Westwood.

Russell is survived by son James (Carole) of Minneapolis, son William (Leslie) of Bellingham, son John (Nancy) of Denver, son Timothy (Chris) of La Paz Mexico, son Mark (Sarah) of Bainbridge Island, son Stephen (Judy) of Port Ludlow, daughter Mary Knighton (Kirk) of Suquamish, daughter Karen Walker (John) of Bainbridge Island, 16 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Charlotte, his son Thomas Peter and granddaughter Anna.

Russell was a man of deep religious convictions and was active in Bethany Lutheran and Port Madison Lutheran Churches throughout his adult life.

Funeral services are at 2:30 p.m. today at the Port Madison Lutheran Church on Bainbridge Island. Interment will take place at Kane Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to the Port Madison Lutheran Church.

An online guest book is available at www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.