Dale Lawrence Knudson, 80, passed away peacefully at Autumn Leaves Memory Care Center, St. Charles on May 31st, 2026.

Dale was born on August 9, 1945, in Belvidere Illinois, to Lawrence and Dorothy (Butz) Knudson. Dale grew up in DeKalb, attended DeKalb schools, and graduated from DHS in 1963. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Army at the age of 17, much to the dismay of his mother and the delight of his father. After basic training he served in Vietnam as a helicopter tech inspector. He was discharged in 1966 and made his way back to DeKalb on a newly purchased Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Dale met the love of his life, a local girl, Karen Rukavina, after the January blizzard of 1967. They were married September 16th of that same year, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dekalb, eventually moving to Sycamore and raising their two daughters, Angela and Stephanie. He was a “Dale” of all trades with many jobs over the years. By far, his favorite job was owning Dale’s Pizza Wheel in Sycamore with his wife Karen. He was content in his bar/restaurant ownership. He loved telling tales, pouring a draft, and listening to his customers tell their stories.  Dale finished his work career at NIU in Building Services, a job he also enjoyed. He had many hobbies and was a lifelong Bears and Cubs fan. He enjoyed spending time at his lake home in Lake Mills, WI. After retirement, Karen and Dale enjoyed traveling to many countries in Europe, his favorites being Norway and Croatia.

Dale had five grandchildren, whom he dearly loved, regularly attending all their school concerts, sporting events, kids-only trips to the lake, overnights, and his favorite: making ice cream sundaes with them. Dale never turned down a cold beer (usually an Old Milwaukee) and conversation and loved to make his rounds at the local bars. Despite the challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease, Dale never lost his sense of humor and never ceased to put a smile on someone’s face.  Dale was a consummate storyteller, spinning yarns, and keeping his audiences in suspense until he inveritably said, “To make a long story short,” and we’re still waiting…

Dale is survived by his wife Karen of 59 years; daughters, Angela (Todd) Cambier and Stephanie Knudson; four grandchildren: Gus Cambier and Lucia, Finn and Theodore O’Brien; his brother Duane (Cindy) Knudson; and sisters and brothers in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dale was preceded in death by his beloved grandson Jack Cambier in March and parents, Babe and Dorothy.  

The family would like to thank the loving and caring staff at Autumn Leaves of St. Charles, Family Paramount Hospice and Dekalb County Nursing Home Memory Care.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m., Friday, June 5th, at Anderson Funeral Home, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Military honors will take place at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at ALZ.org or Elder Care Services, DeKalb, Illinois.