Hans Peter Knudsen

Knudsen, Hans Peter - Westfield

With great sorrow, we announce the passing of our strong, kind, exceptional husband, dad and friend, Hans Peter Knudsen.  He was brought to our Lord on Saturday, March 18^th, 2023 at the age of 77 surrounded by his wife and children after a long battle against non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. 

Born on July 26^th, 1945, Hans is survived by his wife and partner in life of 56 beautiful years, Judith Knudsen.  Together they brought up their four daughters, Athena (Buffalo) Big Mountain, Lisa Goltz, Vanessa (David) Stabbe and Candace Bering with unconditional love and the values of family and hard work; nine grandchildren, Hans Goltz, Austin Goltz, Sage Big Mountain, Zander Big Mountain, Dakota Goltz, Trysten Bering, Nevaeh Bering, Kieran Stabbe and Declan Stabbe; brother’s, Jorgen Knudsen, and Jens (Jane) Knudsen; sister, MaryEllen Brinker; mother-in-law, Marian Brandt; brothers and sisters-in-law, Diane (Michael) Deckow, Debbie (Steve) Strugalla, and Tom (Mary) Brandt.

Despite the many successes Hans and Judy had in business that was not his legacy. Hans was loved by all those in his life for his kind and giving nature, devotion to his family, passion for guns, hunting and exceptional marksmanship, ridiculous sense of humor, and his big boisterous laugh.  He had a large physical presence standing at 6’6’’, but it was his gentle heart that motivated his every action and was felt by all.  We know he is in heaven, with those who preceded him in death; parents, Hartvig and Mary Knudsen; sister, Kathleen Lombardo; brother-in-law, Harry Brinker; sister-in-law, Jackie Knudsen; father-in-law, Raymond Brandt along with countless friends.  There they are celebrating his arrival with an adventurous hunt for a red stag, chopping wood on a beautiful fall day, playing some poker and watching over his family. 

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life for all of Hans’s friends and family in Spring and details will be shared at a later time.  We will look forward to sharing pictures and the unlimited stories of his amazing life and all those who were a part of it.  

Please take a moment to view the online Tribute Wall.  Send your condolences or share a memory of Hans with his family & friends.