Evelyn R. Knudson

Evelyn R. Knudson, 60, of rural Racine,Mn, formerly a longtime Dodge Center,MN resident, passed away on Friday (April 30, 2021) following a short illness, at Mayo Clinic Rochester – St. Marys Campus, where she had been a patient for the past 3 weeks.

Evelyn Rose Ballinger was  born on July 4, 1960 in Rochester, MN to George and Patricia (Carson) Ballinger. She grew up on the family farm, attended Stewartville schools, graduating from Stewartville H.S. in 1979.  Evelyn was married on June 20, 1981 to Harold Knudson. The couple moved to rural Dodge Center,MN where they raised their children and made their home for many years. Evelyn was a homemaker and was employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center for 25 years, until her health caused her early retirement. Harold was employed as a welder for many years, most at McNeilus Co’s. in Dodge Center. They moved to rural Racine in 2008. Evelyn was a past member of Dodge Center United Methodist and was currently a member of the Racine United Methodist Church where she was confirmed as a child. She enjoyed horses as a young girl, belonging to the Racine  Saddle Club and participated in barrel racing. She was an avid photographer and did some wedding photography for family and friends. She and Harold enjoyed going to Arizona in the winter for a few years, trips to Branson,Mo. and enjoyed going to stock car races. She loved time spent with family, especially with her grandchildren.

Evelyn is survived by her husband of  40 years – Harold; 1 daughter and 3 sons -   Eric Knudson and Matthew Knudson both of Mantorville,MN; Daniel Knudson (Kris Tollefson) of Owatonna,MN and Cheyenne Nordby of  Mankato,MN;  her mother – Pat Ballinger of rural Racine; 9 grandchildren – Kaelin, Alicia, Daxton, Lillian, Victoria, Cyrus, Kaiden, Kylie and Timothy;  sister – Helen(John) Swain of Racine; 2 brothers – Gregory Ballinger( Milissa Bornholdt) and  Stephen Ballinger both of  Spring Valley,MN.  She was preceded in death by 3 infant daughters – Ruby Ann,  Heidi and  Le Ann, her father George, and in-laws  - Kenneth and Dorothy Knuds0n. 

A  Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday (May 6, 2021) at the United Methodist Church in Stewartvillle with Rev.  Bridget Sheely officiating. Burial will follow at Hamilton Cemetery in rural Fillmore County. A time of visiation will be held from 12:30 to the time of service on Thursday afternoon. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville.  Condolences and memories of Evelyn are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Evelyn R. Knudson, please visit our floral store.