Fred J. ‘Fritz’ Knudson

MOUNT MORRIS – Fred J. “Fritz” Knudson, 83, of Dixon, died peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, at Pinecrest Manor in Mount Morris, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a survey technician and chief with the Illinois Department of Transportation for 31 years, and was employed by Willett, Hofmann & Associates for several years.

He was born Feb. 2, 1929, in Dodgeville, Wis., the son of Oscar and Nellie (Dosch) Knudson.
He was a veteran of the Navy, serving during the Korean War.

He married Meridith Chambers on Aug. 28, 1954, in Darlington, Wis. He was a member of the American Legion and the Dixon Moose, and a lifetime member of Dixon Elks Lodge 779.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Meridith; daughters, Cathy (Andy) Pavesich of Grand Detour and Carolyn Chupp of Dixon; son, James (Lisa Cady) Knudson of Dixon; four grandchildren, Nathan (Desi) Haley, Corey Pavesich, Lyndsey (Dustin) Kelly and Christen Farrey; and four great-grandchildren, Sarah Chupp, Jaden and Demetris Haley and Desmond Kelly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a grandson, Joshua Chupp.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11 a.m., Friday at Jones Funeral Home in Dixon, with the Rev. Vincent Marrandino, director of pastoral care at KSB Hospital in Dixon, officiating. 

Burial of cremains, with military honors by the Combined Veterans Group, will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon.

A memorial fund has been established.

Visit www.thejonesfh.com to send condolences.