Keith Arthur Knudson

Age 89 of Morris, Illinois, formerly of Plattville, Illinois died on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at Serenity Estates in Morris.

Born on March 12, 1937, in Morris, Illinois, Keith Arthur was the son of Silas and Elsie (Langland) Knudson. He was raised and educated in Minooka, where he graduated from Minooka High School with the Class of 1955.

Following graduation, Keith worked on his family's farm before proudly serving his country in the United States Army from November 1956 until his honorable discharge in November 1958. After returning home, he worked briefly as a welder for Caterpillar before returning to the family farm, where he devoted many years to farming until his retirement in 2004. On July 7, 1962, Keith married the love of his life, Joanne, at Plattville Lutheran Church. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and farming.

Keith was a lifelong member of Plattville Lutheran Church and proudly volunteered with the Lisbon-Seward Fire Protection District, Station 2. He was an active member of the Kendall-Grundy Farm Bureau, the Kendall County Corn Growers Association, the Kendall-Grundy Beef Association, and the Kendall County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Keith was also a longtime member of American Legion Post 294 in Morris and the Plattville VFW. In addition, he was a lifelong member of Moose Lodge 1016 in Sandwich, Illinois, where he enjoyed the friendships and fellowship he found throughout the years.

He found great joy in the simple things in life. He enjoyed attending tractor shows and proudly parading his antique tractors. He was a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears and always looked forward to watching his favorite teams play. In 1994, Keith and his wife, Joanne, began spending their winters in Fort Myers, Florida, becoming snowbirds and making many wonderful memories together while escaping the cold Illinois winters. Above all, Keith treasured the time he spent with his grandsons, creating memories that his family will forever cherish.

Keith is survived by his daughter, Sara (Michael) Funk of Newark, Illinois; grandsons: Connor (Katie) Funk, Mason (Autumn) Funk, Parker Funk, and Owen Funk: great-grandchildren: Zoey and Oakley; brother and sisters: Vada Cartwright, Joan Butler, Bruce Knudson, and Orpha (Robert) Bols; brothers and sisters-in-law: Marguerite (the late Hank) Sing and Janet (Stan) Bretthauer; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Joanne; brother, Ann (John) Kurtz and his two brothers-in-law: Donald Cartwright and William Butler.

Per the family's wishes cremation rites are being accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Plattville Lutheran Church, 5475 Bell Road, in Minooka, Illinois from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at 12:30 p.m. Pastor Mike Neel will officiate.

Following the service, he will be interred with full military honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. 

Memorial donations may be made as gifts in Keith's name to the Plattville Lutheran Church. 

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Keith's memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-0700)