Lee C. Knudson, 90, of rural Horton, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at Amberwell Hospital in Hiawatha, Kansas.

Lee was born to John & Emma (Edwardson) Knudson on May 27, 1933, in the Horton Community Hospital. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church of Everest. He attended Pleasant Ridge Grade School and graduated from Atchison County Community High School (Effingham, KS) in 1951. On October 9, 1955, he and Donna Hallauer were married at Zion Lutheran Church. From this union, they had two children, Greg and Lynda.

After graduating from high school Lee started farming on the family farm with his father and brother, John E and then later his son. Lee was a lifetime farmer and a steward of the land.

Lee was a member of the Atchison County 4-H Organization, he enjoyed playing legion baseball, coached youth basketball at the rural schools and a member of the Horton National Guard. He had a passion for Oliver tractors, loved country music and enjoyed his grandkids being with him at the farmhouse. He was a man of faith and an active member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Everest. Lee also was an avid sports fan and enjoyed collecting baseball cards.

Until his death, Lee missed his loving wife, Donna, of 57 years since she passed in January of 2013. He was also preceded in death by his parents John and Emma, his brother John E, sisters-in-law Lois Winterscheidt (Francis), June Schlodder (Floyd), and brothers-in-law Gene Hallauer and Allen Hallauer.

Survivors include his children, Greg of Everest and Lynda & Dennis Ross of Horton; his grandchildren Jodi & Ben Leatherman of Denton, KS, Jennifer & Steven Welch of Everest, KS, Kelsey & Patrick Costello of Wamego, KS, and Mark & Tanna Ross of Ashland, MO; as well as his great grandchildren Broc, Lena & Zek Leatherman, Adaylee Welch, Cayson & Grady Costello, and Brady & Colson Ross; brothers-in-law Virgil Hallauer (Anna Jo) of Hiawatha, KS, Arnel Hallauer (Jan) of Ames, IA, and sisters-in-law Donna Hallauer of Horton, KS and Brenda Hallauer of Basehor, KS.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church of Everest. Burial will follow at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are suggested for Zion Lutheran Cemetery Fund or Atchison County Meals on Wheels.