Charles Roland Knudtson Jr.
Aka- Chuck of the Best Hugs, Strongest Grandpa Ever, Best Dad in all the lands.
Passed away on
January 18, 2022 at the age of 77 due to God needing him Home.
He was a resident of Villa Park for 35 years before moving out to Huntley IL where he has lived for 13 years. Devoted parishioner at St. Alexander’s and St. Mary’s.
Chuck was born in Chicago, IL in 1944 to parents Charles Sr. and Stella Knudtson. Chuck was a man of undeniable faith in Jesus Christ. He walked in Gods light on this earth and showed others how to do so as well. He led by example and never doubted he would one day enter eternal life. He lights up the world with his smile and could hug all the bad days away. Chuck is loved by so many as he loved any soul that crossed his path. How he loved is a testament to the power we have to change lives with just a smile, a hug, a kind word or just sitting in silence with them for just a moment. He loved popcorn and movies, so loud the neighbors could hear them. He could belt out a song or twirl you around the dance floor and you would feel like you were floating.
He was a devoted Man to Adoration and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, padre Pio, Infant of Prauge and all the saints. He served as an MP in the military from 1962-1964 in Germany.
He was surrounded and cared for by his wife Diane Wedgbury Knudtson, his 8 children and their spouses and 17 grandchildren. Son Michael (Helen,Katie,Sean,Matthew,Shannon,Annemarie)Son Daniel (Lia,Joey,Vinny) Daughter Karen
(Jon, Thomas,Maddison) Daughter Jill (T.J. Taylor) Son Eric (Gina,Gabby,Mason,Belle,Ariana) Son Johnny, Son David,Daughter Kristen (Dustin,Kenzie,Cami)
How blessed and lucky were we to have this Incredible Husband,Father and Grandfather for all these years.
He was blessed to have so many friends in his life whom he loved so very much.
He was proceeded in death by his two sons John Russel and Russel John Knudtson, His parents Charles Sr. and Stella Knudtson, His Sister Diane and brother-in-law Jerry Roszkowiak His Brother Mike Knudtson and his Sister in law Jeannine Elgeness and brother-in-law Donald Wedgbury.
The Wake will be held on Saturday January 22 from 5-8 and Sunday January 23 from 1-7 at Defiore Funeral Home - 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL 60142.
Mass to follow at St. Mary’s Church at 10:00am on Monday January 24th
10307 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL 60142.
In lieu of flowers the family ask for you to please make a donation to St. Mary’s Church, The Rite to Life, American Veterans Association or any Vet facility in his name.
“Go rest high on that mountain, Son your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ love for the Father and the Son.”
Love you Always, Forever, Infinity
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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I was so sad to hear of Chuck’s passing. He has been such a huge part of my growth in the Faith and God put him at CHRP at St Mary to welcome me with one of his bear hugs! He made me feel so welcome as I tried to talk myself in leaving. As a lifelong Catholic Christian who has been away from the Church for many years what better of a man could be there to welcome me back! My friendship with Chuck continued to grow as I participated in the Core Team for TMIY with him and followed in his shoes as MC for our group! I will miss those hugs and smile but know he is at home in peace and waiting to give us all more hugs as we come to see him again! God Bless all of you and may God comfort you and help you in your grief for this great man!!!
Uncle Chuck would enter a room and immediately fill it with warmth, love, and laughter. You couldn’t stop smiling talking to him. His devotion to God was inspiring. Prayers for his soul and strength for his family.
We are so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. Daily mass was made special when he was there with his smiles and hugs for anyone and everyone who came into his presence. He was always there to help anyone in need. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. My deepest sympathy to Diane and of his family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Diane and family. John knew Chuck from golf and TMIY at St Mary. He will be missed by many. John and Rose Boehnen
I thought 4th grade RED with Chuck he hugged me after dayly mass. He was the leader of communion to homebound. He showed me ho to swing a golf club. He was always passing out religious brackets. To all he met. He deserves a mansion in heaven. I will miss him with all my heart.
The gifts this dear man created during his lifetime are so evident in his daughter Kristen and his daughter in law Lia. This is who I know in his family and how I know of his profound and enduring impact. These women walk the walk described in Chuck’s beautiful obituary. Lia’s tales of her husband’s way of being and giving so parallels his father’s. And Kristen just exudes and shares the joy of life and Christian love her father blessed her with. The Knudtson spirit pervades every family member I have met. This father and grandfather has blessed so many during his lifetime; those blessings continue to be passed on by those who remain to grieve his passing but continue to live his example. His memory and his life indeed are blessings for many.
Chuck gave me my first hello & hug @ a seminar & then @ St Mary’s dairy Masses. After that we became church buddies. We taught Edge classes together as well as he had to see this group of kids through to 8th grade. I received Communion fr him & saw Chuck/wife @ 5pm Mass many times. His obituary here says it all about Chuck. I was proud to be part of his prayer army when he was in the hospital. I will miss him daily but God won’t as he is in heaven with instant purification.
Well, Charles, when last we spoke Christmas Eve, since I was headed South for a several week road trip, you urged me to be ready just in case. I told you "ditto". You told me me "Joe, I am always ready." I have been fortunate to know several people I considered "holy"...you being a prime example. So, Charles, when St Peter surrenders his keys to the gates of heaven to you, please let me in.
My deepest condolences to the family. Chuck has been a lifeline for me many days when I needed one of his healthy hugs, I called them the most. He had a PHD in hugging. I will miss him dearly. It seemed no matter what Mass I attended or when, Chuck was there almost every time. His hugs always sent me on my way with wings and has been the blessing in my life that all humans need. Im only sorry we never got to golf. May he rest peacefully in the light of our heavenly father as his legend lives in in all who knew him.
Diane, our hearts are with you at this difficult time. We will miss that big smile and voice zipping by with the grandkids on the golfcart. As Ecclesiastes reads “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born and a time to die: this day was Chuck’s time. God bless you and your wonderful family.
May the angels lead him into paradise, and may the martyrs welcome him on his way, and lead him into the holy city, Jerusalem. May the choirs of angels welcome him, and with Lazarus, who once was poor, may he have everlasting life. In Sincere Sympathy.
I have a nice memory of Chuck sitting up on the sacred stairs, outside the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, at the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus told him to feed His sheep. Chuck certainly did feed a lot of Christ's sheep, and now I like to think of him having breakfast with Jesus, like the apostles did at that same place. He was always full of joy. And I think he was the only one of us who completely submerged himself in the River Jordan. Back home, he always had a great big smile when I would walk into Adoration at 2 AM on Saturday morning. He asked me to commit to that hour, so he wouldn't have to come, but he came anyway. Only tremendous love for God and for souls, could give him the grace to stay up all night sitting with Jesus. I kind of think his name should be put on that pew, in his memory. We will all surely miss you at daily mass, but at the same time we are happy for you. It was a blessing to have known you, a true servant of Christ. My sincere condolences to all the family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Deborah & Philip Maggiore
Chuck, you know we are all scrambling at St. Mary to try and fill just a little bit of what you did for our parish. Your big smile, hug, so generously given, were a salve to all. Your love of Jesus and Mary were so apparent and catching. I will never think of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, without hearing your voice - 'For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world'. God Bless you and remember and pray for us still struggling on earth.
Diane, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Never forget, you have friends who love you and will be there for you. I just wanted to share how Chuck touched my life in a special way. When we first met he asked me if I was a Catholic. I told him that I was a strong Catholic and was very involved in my old parish. After my divorce in 1994, my parish pastor told me that I was no longer a member of the church and could not continue my involvement or go to church. I was devastated! My faith was such an internal part of my life. Chuck said that can't be true, call Monsignor Steve over at St. Mary and go see him. I took his advice and met with Monsignor Steve. He was an answer to my prayer. Monsignor Steve apologized for the incorrect information I was given by my pastor. He assured me that I could still practice my religion and he welcomed me back to the church. It truly was a glorious day. Each day I am so grateful to Chuck and the Monsignor for they truly changed my life forever. I will miss Chuck but I know that he's now our Neighborhood 35 guardian angel who will watch over all of us. Hugs and blessings to you and your family.
Diane, sending prayers and love to you and your family. I feel blessed that you brought Chuck to yoga class because I got a chance to meet him. His personality so fun and his love of savasana never doubted. It was a joy to have him join our group. He will be truly missed. Deepest condolences to you and your family.
I will very much miss my dear friend Chuck and his hugs. We spent many hours discussing theology and the Church. I shall miss him terribly. He will remain in my prayers for the rest of my years. Deacon Jack
Diane and family- So very sorry for your loss. Prayers are with all of you.
My Condolences to all the Knudtson family. Chuck will be remembered by so many. His hugs and kind words was always so welcoming and his love for the Lord an inspiration to all.
Heaven will not be too dramatically different from Earth for Chuck. He spent a great deal of time with Jesus and he shared that Love with everyone!
My dear friend RIP. YOU DESERVE being with Jesus. I can not thank you enough for helping me with the Divine Mercy Devotion. I thank you for giving your mother's picture of Divine Mercy to St. Mary Church, which hangs in the back of Church. You were one of the holiest, comforting, and charity-filled humans I have ever known. Thank you for our friendship and being there for me so, so many times. One regret I have is not to say goodbye before I left for Arizona. My heartfull condolences to the family.
My uncle chuck was a very devoted Catholic and family man. My uncle would go the extra mile and always would help others in need without excepting anything in return. Now I will miss dropping in at Tiffany's restaurant to visit with both uncles because they are at a new restaurant in heaven celebrating their new life. You're in my prayers Uncle Chuck.
Aunt Diane and all the kids (my cousins and their families) - our deepest sympathies, condolences and hugs go out to all of you. The three musketeers (Uncle Mike, my dad and Uncle C Charlie) are probably all at the 19th hole - trading their stories and sharing their memories. Sending you all angels of comfort, strength and peace as you start the next journey without him at the helm. The Klein Family (Polly, Tony, Alyssa, Amber, Xavier and Ava)
No words can express the feelings I am feeling. I thought the world of him. All of you were blessed to have him as your husband, father, grandchild and friend. As a friend, I was blessed to have known him and gotten his hugs. He will definitely be missed!
Thoughts and prayers to the entire Knudtson family on your loss. Chuck was a great man, a devout Catholic and devoted father and grandfather. While his loving/strong presence will be missed here on earth, let your faith provide comfort in knowing that he is at peace in Heaven with his family, friends and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Rejoice in knowing that one day you'll see him again!
Chuck was first an amazing teammate then a dear friend and ultimately a loving brother to both Bob and me. He always looked forward to an Iversen hug as we looked forward to one of his. Our love and condolences go out to Diane and his family as well as to anyone who knew Chuck. He is missed by anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We give thanks to God for bringing Chuck into our lives and making life that much better.
I am so saddened to hear the passing of Chuck. Please accept my condolences. His memory will live on. He has given so much to this world. Diane I wish you only the most comforting feelings I can. Be well and take care.
Our hearts are broken at the loss of such a loving and giving friend. He was always ready to help and we learned to rely on him very quickly when he came back into our lives. Love to all his family. He will be sorely missed by many
Knew Chuck from the Knights of Columbus, St. Mary’s and our golf league. Terrific guy! I pray eternal rest will be granted him and that perpetual light will always shine upon him. RIP.
Every generation has its "Legend" and Charlie was ours, his physical strength was only exceeded by his spiritual, He will be in my prayers as his brother Mike has been since his passing, Rest in Peace Old Friend.
My condolences to your family. Uncle Chuck was a strong man . He was strong in his faith and strong physically. The best memories was his laughter, generosity,and picking us kids up in one hand to touch the ceiling. He was instrumental in steering me towards my career as well. You and your family are in our prayers.
Prayers to Diane & family to losing a great neighbor. Mike will always remember the best golfing buddy & trip they took to Myrtle Beach to stay @ our condo—Mike said they made it there in record time & Chuck talked non stop the whole way when he wasn’t reading Bible. Also trip a bunch of guys would go to stay for a few days to golf several times a day that Chuck organized. A man of great faith & devote Catholic I would always say to Chuck when I saw him out ‘’ Chuck please say a few prayers for me & Mike & light a lot of candles as we need it’’—also the memory we have of several in neighborhood going on a cruise with Chuck & Diane & it was their anniversary—so many memories. I know Chuck is in a high place in heaven still saying prayers & lightning a lot of candles. RIP Chuck or ‘’ Chuckles” as Mike called him.
I knew Chuck through the Elgeness (Rich and Jeannine) family as we were long time neighbors in Norridge. Although I haven't seen Chuck in quite some time, it feels like yesterday as he leaves such a strong impression with everyone he meets. It is so enriching and evangelizing to read his obituary and all of the comments testifying to his life. When we say a prayer asking God for help in being who He wants us to be, we can ask Chuck for his intercession. Condolences to Diane and all the family.
Charlie was one of a kind and I was honored to have him as a teammate and a friend. The weekly “breakfast club” won’t be the same without You Charlie!
We send our prayers to Diane and children, and the rest of the family. He always had a smile and hug for us when we would see him at St. A's. Chuck & Barb Klein
To all the Knudtson Family our heartfelt condolences! Chuck was the personification of love, friendship and living his faith 24/7! Morning mass will not be the same, our morning rosary misses his booming voice! The Narthex is lonelier without his incredible hugs and that ear to ear smile! I will miss golfing with Chuck and his endless stories, but most of all I will miss his incredible devotion to God and his stories of how incredible it will be in heaven! We are sad Chuck selfishly because we miss you, but know you are now where you always wanted to be! Please pray for us my friend and be there at Heavens gate to meet us my friend! Thank you Diane and family for sharing this special person with us all!
Chuck was the energisor bunny for Christ. His love of God resonated from him.We have a champion in heaven.You will be missed.Rest in eternal peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Chuck was a truly thoughtful and fun-loving neighbor.
Our prayers are with you all during this time. Chuck is a person we are all going to miss. His smile, his laughter, his humor, his convictions, his good ole big heart, and his hugs for sure. We all have such wonderful memories of him. The vacation memories alone abound in my memories. If there was ever a person that has earned their way to heaven it was Chuck. his life was a celebration of a good soul that will be missed by all. Love to you all. - Ron and Valerie Olds
Chuck is a guy that will be missed a lot yes he always could get you up to dance. And his smile never seen a smile like that. My deepest condolences to the entire Knudtson family. Chuck will always be remembered.
Aunt Diane and all the kids (my cousins and their families) - our deepest sympathies, condolences and hugs go out to all of you. The three musketeers (Uncle Mike, my Dad and Uncle C Charlie) are probably sitting at a table playing poker with their parents, grandparents, sister, aunts, uncles, and cousins remember the good times. Let your friends and family surround you as well as angels comfort you and give everyone strength and peace. The Tochor Family (Julie, Warren, Hudson, Isaac and Theodore)
The earth will not be the same without Chuck. He always walked in God’s light. He shared his faith by example. His smile was one of joy; the joy you have in your heart when you truly know God. We send heartfelt condolences to his family and prayers for their consolation. We know that when Chuck passed from this life God most likely said, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
I am so, so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. He was my favorite buy to serve at Brunch Cafe. He was such a sweet man. And he definitely gave the best hugs! He always called me "Anastasia". I'll definitely miss seeing him around. Love, thoughts, and prayers to his family.
I am sorely missing my daily mass "buddy". Chuck and I shared our faith with each other and with the daily mass regulars. He always had a smile and hug for me and everyone he met. His faith was deep and he would share it with anyone who was willing to talk to him (or even not willing). He was involved in many of the ministries at St. Mary. He was generous with his time, talent and treasure. I'm sure he was welcomed into the kingdom and is giving everyone there a hug, probably with a thermos of coffee in his hand. He's probably giving God an earful too ("You know what..."). He's ok, we aren't. May God bless and console you in this difficult time.
I am so incredibly sad to hear of Chuck's passing... Chuck was one of my most favorite people. I've known him for over 6 years, from Brunch Cafe. He always called me "Anastasia", always cracking jokes, never passing up coffee, and gave the best advice. Chuck definitely gave THE BEST hugs. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to know him. Love, thoughts, and prayers to the family. All of my love. ❤
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Chuck. He was my most favorite person. His smile, his great, big bear hugs! He was my favorite person to see at Brunch Cafe. Chuck always had a smile, always had a blessing, aways made me laugh. He called me "Anastasia", for the past 8 years of me taking care of him at work. Chuck was an incredible human, anyone who knew him, was blessed to know him. All of my love, thoughts, and prayers to the family. Always in my heart, Chuck. ❤
Diane and family, wanted to send our prayers to all on the passing of Chuck.
We are so sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. Our condolences to Diane and the family. He will be missed by so many. He and I did Hospital Ministry together (Barb) and I had a hard time keeping up with him. Now he’s up in heaven putting in a good word for all of us.
Thank you for God’s providence that allowed our paths to cross with Chuck’s. We will do our best to carry on his legacy and all that he taught us. He always turned one’s attention to Jesus, the Blessed Mother and the Eucharist. His faith and morals led him even amidst ridicule and against the popular secular way. He is an amazing witness and true evangelist. There were no exceptions for Chuck to do the will of God. Let us follow his legacy and let nothing budge you from consoling the Sacred Heart of Jesus, spending time in Adoration, going to Confession frequently and receiving Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. This life is a gift -cherish it as Chuck did and see all people (born and unborn) as a child of God. Deepest condolences and prayers for all who knew Chuck.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for all the family. My deepest sympathy
My heart broke this morning when I found out about Chuck’s passing. I met Chuck by attending daily mass. His presence was a blessing and will be greatly missed. He touched my heart deeply by his living example of his devotion to the church and his love for others. I am comforted now knowing he is with where he’s always wanted to be. Chuck, my dear friend, please pray for us! P. S. Mike says “mou leípeis”.
Chuck was one of God’s EARTH ANGELS that walked among us. Sending our deepest sympathies and condolences to you his precious family.
My heart broke this morning when I found out about Chuck’s passing. I met Chuck by attending daily mass. His presence was a blessing and will be greatly missed. He touched my heart deeply by his living example of his devotion to the church and his love for others. I am comforted now knowing he is with where he’s always wanted to be. Chuck, my dear friend, please pray for us! P. S. Mike says “mou leípeis”.
My heart broke this morning when I found out about Chuck’s passing. I met Chuck by attending daily mass. His presence was a blessing and will be greatly missed. He touched my heart deeply by his living example of his devotion to the church and his love for others. I am comforted now knowing he is with where he’s always wanted to be. Chuck, my dear friend, please pray for us! P. S. Mike says “mou leípeis”.