Lyle H. Knudsen

Funeral Services for Lyle Knudsen will be lived streamed here.

Lyle Harry Knudsen was born on August 14, 1927, the eldest of three children born to Harry and Kathrine (Mortensen) Knudsen, on the family farm seven miles east of Harlan. He attended Jackson #4, which was just across the road from his home. Everyone was jealous because he could go home every day for dinner. When he was in 5th grade, he came home with Scarlet Fever, and their home was quarantined for six weeks. Lyle graduated from 8th grade and began attending Harlan High School. As a high school junior, he won the Junior National DeKalb Seed Corn Grower Award with a yield of 145 bushels per acre on five acres. He graduated with the Class of 1945 and then worked for his father on the farm.

In 1948, he went to Denmark with his grandfather and grandmother Mortensen for four months, doing field work in the Danish fields. His time in Denmark not only gave him many new experiences but also helped him learn and understand the Danish language. Returning home, Lyle found himself spending more time with Helen Johnson. The two married on June 11, 1950, at Bethel Baptist Church in Harlan. They lived in a small farmhouse in the Cuppy’s Grove area, and Lyle began farming for himself while Helen taught in country schools. Lyle enlisted in the Navy Reserves and on July 1, 1952, Lyle was called to active duty. After basic training, he was sent to the Naval Air Station Pensacola in Pensacola, FL, and was called to active duty during the Korean War. Lyle was honorably discharged on May 4, 1954. The couple lived on a farm south of Harlan for two years before moving to a farm just south of the Knudsen home place, where they began farming again, milking cows, raising pigs and chickens. They remodeled the barn and had 1,000 laying hens housed on two stories of the barn.

A son, Dan Carl, was born in July of 1954, and a daughter, Beth Marie, was born in June of 1956. In 1970, they all moved to the home place where Lyle was born.

Lyle was baptized in his family home and later confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where he remained a devoted lifelong member. In 1969, Lyle was elected to the Harlan School Board and served until 1982. Lyle continued farming, and Dan joined the farming operation, acquiring more acres over the years. Lyle also worked for Agriland FS for several years during the 1980’s.

Lyle took great pride in his agricultural roots. In 1978, he was awarded a Life Membership in the National FFA Alumni Association, and in 2006, he received the Century Farm Award in recognition of his family's farming heritage. He was also a proud and longtime member of the Helmer Reyelt American Legion Post #150.

Lyle remained on the home place until January 2024, when he moved to Elm Crest in Harlan, where he passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026, having attained the age of 98 years, nine months, and 14 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Kathrine; his wife of 56 years, Helen, in 2006; his son, Dan, in 2022; his sister and brother-in-law, Verlee (Harold) Peters; and his sister-in-law, Pearl Knudsen.

He is survived by his daughter, Beth (Howard) Lebrecht of Jensen Beach, FL; daughter-in-law, Lorie Knudsen of Harlan; five grandchildren, Stefan (Lori) Knudsen of Hallsville, MO, Greg (Kerrie) Knudsen of White Oak, IA, Katrina (Seth) Lansman of Harlan, Kyle (Caitlin) Lebrecht of Burke, VA, and Sara Lebrecht of Jensen Beach, FL; 12 great-grandchildren; one step-great-granddaughter; brother, Merlyn (Jeanette) Knudsen of Elk Horn, IA; many nephews and nieces; other extended family members; and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with the Funeral Service to begin at 11:00 a.m., all at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville. Military honors will be held in the Jacksonville Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville in Lyle’s honor.