Brett Knudsen

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BRETT DANIEL KNUDSEN was born on December 12, 1996 to Kelly and Robin (Larsen) Knudsen in Marshall, Minnesota. Brett was a member of First English Lutheran Church in Tyler, where he was baptized and confirmed. From 4th to 9th grade, Brett played on several traveling basketball teams, with his dad as the coach and his biggest fan. When asked what his favorite shot was, Brett would reply, “Anywhere on the court once I’m in the gym.” During summers, he worked at the Lincoln County Parks Department. In high school, he was involved in many sports, including: football, basketball, and baseball. Brett graduated from Russell-Tyler-Ruthton High School in 2015. He moved to Willmar, Minnesota to attend Ridgewater Community College. He received his diploma as an electrician. Brett then moved to Vermillion, South Dakota and worked for Johnson Electric for two years. He then moved to Brookings, South Dakota and worked for Clites Electric before moving to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to work for Thompson Electric. While in Sioux Falls, Brett was part of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - Local 426 Union, and was studying to become a licensed journeyman electrician. Brett died unexpectedly following a car accident in Sioux Falls on Friday, August 28, 2020 at the age of 23 years, eight months, and 16 days.

Growing up he loved shaking dice with his Grandpa LeRoy and the coffee crew at Knudsen Standard. Brett also had a special bond with his Grandpa Hermie who taught him to hunt and fish. The two of them always knew how to find the “honey holes”. In August of 2019, Brett was promoted to “uncle”. He had a very special bond with his niece, Evie, who has his beautiful blue eyes. He was a loving individual that had a true and tender heart. At first, Brett was often seen as quiet and shy, but once he became comfortable, it was hard to get him to be quiet. He was a loyal and true friend that expected the same in return. He will be greatly missed by everyone that was lucky enough to know him.

He is lovingly remembered by his parents, Kelly and Robin Knudsen of Tyler; his sister, Kristin (Jon) Schlapkohl of Sioux Falls; his beloved niece, Evie Schlapkohl; grandparents, Deanna Knudsen and Herman Larsen, both of Tyler; aunts and uncles, Rhonda (Ron) Wiering, Bob (Joyce) Larsen, Kurt (Kelli) Larsen, Marci Meyers, Amy (Matthew) Johnson; his cousins, Fr. Matthew Wiering, Emily (Jon) Van Wyck, Joel (Kelli) Wiering, Nick (Bethany) Wiering, Klarissa, Katie, and Kaleb Larsen, Andrew, Addisyn and Aiden Larsen, Joe Letellier, Natalie and Elise Meyers, Ava and Addison Anderson; special friend, Darienne Hoffman, and many other loving family and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Donna Larsen and LeRoy Knudsen; and an aunt, Valerie Larsen.