John "Duane" Knudson

John “Duane” Knudson, a beloved husband, father, and papa, passed away on June 30, 2024, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family. Duane was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in April of 2023. He chose to fight hard, and he never lost hope through his entire journey with cancer.

Duane was born in 1954, to John and Evelyn Knudson in Redding, California. Duane was joined by two younger brothers, Steve and Bruce. They were an active military family and traveled the United States and Europe, before settling down in Great Falls, Montana.

Duane graduated from CM Russell High School in 1973. He was always involved in sports and strived academically. After high school, he enlisted in the Air Force, where he spent the next four years as an Operating Room Specialist Surgical Technician.

Following his love for medicine and for serving others, Duane enrolled in nursing school, where he attended Carroll College and went on to graduate from Montana State University with his nursing degree. Nursing school brought on some challenges, as it was a female dominated career at the time. Through his commitment to his passion, Duane pushed forward, proving that he deserved to be there and wanted a career providing compassionate care to others. That was Duane! He was determined and compassionate, he was a natural leader and teacher.

Pursuing his passion to help others, Duane joined the U.S. Public Health Services where he served for one year in Hardin, Montana.

After his public health service, Duane enrolled in the United States Air Force as an Officer. His career in the Air Force was spent as an Operating Room Nurse, where he touched many lives and earned the respect and admiration of his patients and colleagues. His enthusiasm and professionalism served as a valuable source of inspiration and motivation for his fellow colleagues. Duane retired as a Major from the Air Force in 2001 after serving for 20 years.

Serving in the United States Military was one of Duane's greatest accomplishments, and it was apparent, as his favorite hat was his “veteran” hat.

After retirement, he continued his medical career working as an O.R. Staff Nurse at Benefis and the Great Falls Clinic. Duane had a gift for teaching, and he took great pride in his role as a mentor to the staff and the students who worked with him. Duane retired for the last time in 2013.

In 1974, he married his first wife, Marla, and they welcomed their daughter, Lindsey, to their family.

In 1988, he married his forever love, Sheila. They knew they would spend forever together and were thrilled to welcome their daughter, Niki, to their family.

They were a lively family and always enjoyed the outdoors, camping, hunting, water skiing, snowmobiling, and shooting guns. Duane was always open to new adventures and had many passions that he enjoyed teaching and sharing with others.

In his free time, Duane found joy in his various hobbies such as reloading ammo, snowmobiling with his buddies, and embracing the ever-changing Yellowstone National Park with his wife, Sheila. If he wasn’t in his “gun room” reloading ammo or at the shooting range, he was helping a friend. He never missed a chance to spend time with his daughters and grandchildren. At the end of the day, friends and family were above anything to Duane.

Duane was a positive energy that people gravitated to. From his stories (Yes, you might have heard that one before), to his infectious laugh, you were never bored around Duane. He was a great friend, loving husband, and amazing father. Friends and even strangers never had to ask for help. Duane was there for you, maybe before you even knew that you needed help. He lived a life helping others.

Even into his last moments on the earth side, he was still more concerned about everyone else, than himself. Duane leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished moments. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Duane is survived by his loving wife, Sheila; daughter, Lindsey; grandson, Leif; daughter, Niki (Kevin); grandchildren, Max, Addie and Kade; and his faithful companion, Loki.

In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation in Duane's memory to Tunnel to Tower Foundation (T2T.org).

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at 139 Hawk Drive in Great Falls, MT. Bring your memories and enjoy some good food and cold drinks in honor of Duane.