OBITUARY
Phillip Harlan Knudsen
521 West 3rd street
Valentine, Ne 69201

Phill passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, July 13th 2014 from natural causes.

Phill was born in Kearney, Ne on August 9th, 1950, the first of five children. At an early age, "Butch" moved to Valentine Ne with his parents, Harlan and Colleen Knudsen where he attended school and graduated in 1968. During high school and for a few years after Phill worked for his father's painting business refreshing ranches, homes, and businesses.

Phill began his service in the U.S. Army in April of 1970. He served active duty in Vietnam from December of 1970 through December of 1971. Phill received numerous medals during his service to our country: National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign with Device, Sharp Shooter, and Good Conduct. He was honorably discharged in April of 1972 at the level of Specialist 4.

After his discharge Phill returned to Valentine to work for the family painting business. He also spent some time in the North Platte, NE area doing industrial painting. Eventually he returned to Valentine and took over the painting business when his parents retired and moved to Texas. During this time, Phill had one son, Brian, from his marriage to Anita Rodgers. They divorced several years later.

Eventually Phill gave up painting as a career. His talents in carpentry, electrical, and mechanics kept him busy most of the time. He also drove truck for a few of the local businesses over the years.

Phill was a member of the VFW post 5138 and the American Legion post 90, both in Valentine, Ne. He was an avid reader and enjoyed applying his problem solving skills by taking on the challenge of repairing practically anything - from lawn mowers to electronic devices.

Phill's good memory and broad knowledge made it a pleasure for friends and family to spend time having a conversation with him, and he was always up for it. Anytime someone needed a helping hand, Phill was there. He was known for his skill at shooting pool and spent a good share of time with friends downtown at his "office".

Phill was preceded in death by: his parents, Harlan and Colleen Knudsen and one sister, Karen Knudsen.

Phill is survived by: his son - Brian Knudsen and his wife Michelle, grandchildren - Mason, Bailey, and Brianna( Colorado Springs Co), siblings – Connie(John) Adrian, Omaha Ne, Ron(Shirley) Knudsen,Valentine Ne, Karl(Deanna) Knudsen, Salem SD and many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous good friends.

Services will be held at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines, Valentine Ne on Friday, July 18th at 11:00 a.m. Memorials can be made to VFW Post 5138, 39894 State Hwy 12, Valentine, Ne 69201.

Special thanks to the Veterans Service Office and all of Phill's friends that have helped him throughout the years.