Stanley Knudsen

Stanley Knudsen, 72 of Brookings, formally of Viborg, passed away on January 8, 2022 at the Brookings Hospital in Brookings. A Memorial Service is planned for later in the year. Arrangements by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.

Stanley Knudsen age 72 of Brookings South Dakota passed away on Saturday, January 8 at Brookings Health Systems.

Stanley Carl Knudsen was born December 2, 1949, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota to Fred and Arlette (Runestad) Knudsen of rural Viborg South Dakota.

He was baptized December 18, 1949, at Spring Valley Lutheran Church by Rev. M. Harry Pedersen. His sponsors were his grandparents, Myrtle and Carl Knudsen.

At a very early age, it became evident that he had serious health problems. Many specialists examined him, but with no diagnosis.

Stanley was loving and kind. He loved his family and he liked being around people. He was good natured and genuinely happy. He enjoyed swimming and the outdoors. He had a lifelong passion for music and it soothed him. As a young child he would hum the melodies of favorite hymns.

At about age 7, on March 25, 1957, Stanley was enrolled in the South Dakota Developmental Center at Redfield South Dakota. Naturally, this was a very painful and traumatic experience for his family. He was loved and greatly missed when he could no longer live at home.

In November of 1961, at age 12, Stanley was tested by the State Health Nurse at which time it was determined that he had Phenylketonuria, also called PKU, a rare inherited disorder that causes an amino acid called phenylalanine to build up in the body. Due to the length of time that had elapsed without the corrective diet to prevent major health problems, Stanley suffered neurological damage and the resulting intellectual disability.

During the time Stanley lived at the home in Redfield, his family made frequent trips to visit him. Stanley loved accompanying them to the park where he relished the time playing on the swings, playing with a ball, taking a walk, and having a picnic.

In 2003, Stanley was transferred to a group home in Brookings South Dakota. This was a very positive move for him and his quality of life greatly improved. He was given the opportunity to experience a home-like atmosphere where he received the care and attention he deserved.

While he lived in Brookings, his sister Linda Knuteson became his legal guardian. She worked with the staff at Advance to coordinate his care. Stanley was fortunate to live out his life at the Franklin House.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Arlette Knudsen, and his sister Rebecca Undem. He is survived by his siblings: Mary Ann Thomas, West Point NE, Linda Knuteson (Dwight), Brookings SD, Mona Jorgensen (Brian), Brookings SD, and Don Knudsen (Lisa), Rapid City SD.

He also leaves behind many other family members including in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to family, he will be remembered by his very special friends and caregivers that he came to know and love during the time he lived at Advance.

A funeral and burial will take place in Viborg South Dakota later this year.