The celebration of life for Brian F. Knudsen of Albert Lea will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at St. Theodore Catholic Church. The Rev. Don Rose will officiate. Interment will be in Lakewood Cemetery. Friends may

visit with family from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday at Bonnerup Funeral Service and one hour before the service at the church.

Brian F. Knudsen was born on June 11, 1969, in Albert Lea, the son of Holger “Buzz” and Harriet (Nelson) Knudsen. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High School with the class of 1987. Brian continued his education at Texas Lutheran College and later Riverland Community College.

He married Linda (Dahl) Kelley on Sept. 11, 1993, in Albert Lea. Together, Brian and Linda owned and operated the longtime family business, Plymouth Shoe Store. Brian loved sales, enjoying his work at Budget Blinds. He had previously worked at Indy Lube, UPS and Security Insurance. He was a member of Mansfield Lutheran Church.

Brian “Knut” got much enjoyment from a good game of golf. Fishing and bow hunting were also among his favorite pastimes. He enjoyed playing pool, and was involved in league play in his earlier years.

Brian filled his life spending time with family and many awesome friends, which made him feel richly blessed. His time with his grandson Landon was a priceless gift.

Brian took his first step into heaven surrounded by those he loved on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. He was 45.

He will be lovingly missed by his wife, Linda; sons Michael Kelley and special friend Lindsey Drescher and Cody Knudsen; grandson, Landon Johnson; parents Holger “Buzz” and Harriet Knudsen, all of Albert Lea; brother, Reid (Laura) Knudsen of Clarks Grove; sister, Jan (Les) Coe of Alton, Iowa; father- and mother-in-law Allan and Lois Dahl of Albert Lea; brothers-in-law Jeff and Troy Dahl of Albert Lea; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nephews and great nieces, as well as many special friends.

Brian was preceded in death by his grandparents and his sister Kay.

Brian’s sunny disposition will always be remembered. His everlasting smile was always on his face and even in his last days, his reply was always “Another day in paradise.” We’re gonna miss you Knut!

In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested.