Kenneth Knudson Obituary

Ken Knudson had a profound influence on all of us that knew him. We still miss you. -Mike Ortman

Dear Kenneth C. Knundson, I don't know you” but I thank you so much. God really created a jewl when he made you” Your sprit, mind was so beautiful, thoughtful” for you to ever think of something so endearing, unique & peaceful rejuvenating.....You look like your soul was humble, loving, caring” just filled wit life! I'll chant you on& on thanks Ken” for you retreat” r.i.p God need his jewl back” my condolences goes out to the family& friends..

Even after all this time I still think of him and how grateful I am that he gave me a chance to learn from him and Char. I'm a better person because of him. Thank you Ken.

He had pride about making people happy and he admired his business partner - Randell D. Repke and his love of his life - Charlene... at peace now.

MISTER KENNETH C. KNUDSON, SAVED AND CHANGED THE COURSE OF MY LIFE,AS DID MISTER MCNAMARA AT 79TH AND PULASKI DOJO IN 1974,1975 I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL SINCERELY BEST REGARDS AND MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHT ARE WITH YOU GUYS ALWAYS,scott(goldenboy)glover

From Karl Knudson,
To my older brother,
Remember you told me that "Yesterdays trophies don't win todays battles", and don't forget,"The guy who dies owing the most money wins". That makes you the winner Bro.I love you always and miss you more,
Love,
Karl

To Cara, Scott & the Sybaris family,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, father, boss and I hoped my friend. I also must apologize for being so late in offering my condolences to all of you. I have been gone from the Chicagoland area since 2001 when I retired. Ken and all of his family and workers were always there for us every year when we would have our annual Christmas/Retirement parties and golf outings. I could always count on all of you for your help with gifts for our events. May God bless all of you and keep you healthy and safe. God bless you Ken till we meet again.

Steve S.

Knudson family, I miss Ken very much there isn't a day that goes by I don't think of him. Ken and went to Austin HS together although we didn't hang with each other back then. We became friends when we started drag racing with and against each other in the early 60's. My wife Donna and I were at the Grand Opening at his first Karate school on Grand Ave. and a week later I was there 4-5 times a week training.

Ken not only taught me Karate, he taught me how to be a better person and to not be afraid to go after what you wanted. He enforced that by hiring me to run his Arlington Heights school and he always encouraged me to compete. We both loved to fight in Karate tournaments and we did a lot of that.

I'll always be grateful to Ken for the fantastic life I have today as a result of his friendship and mentoring. I am very luck to have had the privilege of being one of Ken's Black Belts and to have been one of his friends. Flem Evans

I sure do miss you dad.

Your favorite son...

Scott
Its hard to believe that a year has already gone by since your Dad's tragic death. I hope you are you doing well. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I well remember the day when I, as a skinny 8th grader entered Ken's dojo on Grand Ave. in 1969. He was always a hero to me, and kind enough to call and send some articles when I asked. I regret not having followed up in meeting with him. At the memorial service, all I could do was sit quietly, and remember Rolf, Flem, Joe, Larry, and all the guys I trained with, but especially Ken, my toughest sensei. I stuck with it Ken, and have taught hundreds myself. Thank you.

To Everyone That Signed:

I just finished reading your entries and wish to say thank you for your very kind words. Missing you always Dad,



Scott

To Char, Scott and the rest of the

Sybaris family:

I am sorry to hear of the loss of Ken. He was a strong individual that had the drive and charisma of no one else I have ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ken

I remember Ken attending my brother's funeral and giving me a chance to work with my brother at

Jim at Midwest Enterprises in 1974,

Thanks for helping me out at a low point in my life.When I got married he offered me a couple of days at the Sybaris for free. He was a great man and we all have fond memories of him. My deepest sympathy to the Knudson family

I met Ken through the Indianapolis location of his karate schools. Many things he taught me there have served me well in my career in martial arts and as a school owner. One of my favorites was his statement about teaching karate classes. "Learn something new, practice something old, sweat". That works in business as well, which is why he was successful in everything he put his hand to. Thanks Ken.

I had the tremendous opportunity to do some work with Ken in Mequon Wisconsin. From the momement I met Ken I thought "Now there is a roll model. A man who truly enjoys life. A black belt in Karate that won age and weight class competitions, An accomplished pilot who would fly to the Kentucky Derby just to catch the race that day and fly back,and a succesfull businessman. However most importantly he was a sincerely nice man.I struck a friendship with Ken that was very special.On his birthday just last year he called me on that morning at 9:05 am. I asked Ken how he was doing and he said "Fantastic!" That today was his birthday to which I replied "Happy Birthday!" Ken said " Thats not why I am calling I thought instead of having people call me and wish me happy birthday that I would call those people who made an impression on me and Thank them for being in my life. As you can tell by the time it is you are right up there on the list." I was so amazed by this kindness and honored to know Ken. This is the best example I know that describes the type of man Ken was. My heart goes out to Char and all of the Knudson family.......Ken please know that I will steal your idea and call those who have made an impression on my life and Thank them on my birthday.I thank you for your life lessons taught and will forever be a better man for knowing you. God Bless.

I never had the privelege to meet Ken but Mark Turek, who was my business partner always had such wonderful things to say about him. I wanted to send you my deepest and warmest sympathies and wanted you all to know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time.

Char,

There are no words to express my shock over the news about Ken. I have thought of you often since my employment at Sybaris Mequon. You have my deepest sympathy.



Natalie Lychodij-DeKoning

Our hearts are hurting over the loss of your loved one. He brought

happiness to many.

Dear Char,

We are so sad for our loss of Ken. His calm, gentle, inspirational manner will be missed.We will mourn the loss of his company, but will never forget him.Some time ago he recommended a book with a subject matter he felt was important to me. It was titled, Struggling and Soaring With Angels. Now, he is soaring with those angels and is one of them. We will keep his spirit alive through our wonderful, happy memories.Our love to you always,

Ernie & Joanne

I worked for the Sybaris Corporate office last year for only a few months but Ken never made me feel like the "new kid on the block". He treated me as if I had been there for years. He had a wonderful personality, a caring attitude, and a zest for life. My thoughts and prayers are the with Knudson's family, friends, and employees. He was a great man and will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to all of you.

WE WILL MISS YOUR MORNING PHONE CALLS! YOU WERE A GOOD FRIEND AND SUPPORT TO US, AND YOU WILL REMAIN IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER.THE WORLD HAS LOST A VERY SPECIAL MAN. WE LOVE YOU. DAWN AND JIMMY

Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family over the loss of Kenny.

Although it has been many years since I've seen Ken, I feel a tremendous loss. I remember his kindness to me even under the most extenuating circumstances....and I will never forget that. He set the example of going after your dreams and achieveing them. I am thankful for the time when we were friends. My deepest and most sincere condolences to the Knudson family. Kenny....may you always and forever fly with the angels.

To the Knudson Family, my deepest sympathies on your tragic loss.

Ken and I went to Byford School and then Austin High together. I have many fond memories of our times together. I was always thrilled to tell people that I knew the owner of the Sybaris but I regret that I never got to tell Ken how proud I was of his accomplishments.

Ken's love, passion and friendship will never be forgotten.

To the family of Ken Knudson:



I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences for Ken's untimely and unfortunate passing. Ken was known to me thru a business relationship over 15 years ago, and to this day, I remember him as a very driven, intelligent, and passionate man. He was a very sincere and honest individual. He made a lasting impression on me. He will surely be missed by all.

charlene, i would like to express my sincere sympathy on the loss of your husband. May time help to heal your grief. sincerely, Kathy (Lynch)Murdock

Knudson Family;

Met Kenny 41yrs.ago when he opened his first Karate Studio on Grand Ave. , his teaching techniques were most defiantly not geared towards the "sissy" student.Glad I stopped and seen Kenny a few years back when his offices were in Addison,Ill.Great guy , great loss.

My deepest sympathy to the family of Ken. Although I did not know him well personally We lived next door to Ken's mother Gale, and brother Karl, in Cherry Valley, Il. for several years, and felt like they were part of our family. He had a wonderful mother and his love and support of his family was touching. In spite of his busy schedule he made room for them in his life and helped them out in any way that he could. I believe he was a shining beacon to his family and had their love and respect.

Our heart goes out to all those who loved him.



Norm and Shirley Farel

Ken and I flew together in 1990 while he was building multi-engine flight time in a Beech Barron.



He told me he was the owner of the Sybaris. Since, we have maintained contact and talked about flying several times. Last time we talked about mid 2005 he mentioned he was having work done on his Cessna 421.



When I first heard the news, I feared it may have been his plane.



He was a good guy with a positive attitude towards everything.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE ENTIRE KNUDSON FAMILY.KEN I KNOW YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART.UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN. SENSEI DANIEL SPEARS

i met ken through frank pozdol,we took karate lessons on grand ave in chicago around 1967. ken was a nice person with a great personality.he knew what he wanted and worked hard toward his goals.God bless him.

I am proud to have known Ken. He was my instructor, mentor, and trusted friend. I worked with him on the Northbrook Project, and although I have not stayed in touch, as I should have, his mark has been left on me, and everyone he knew. I am profoundly lucky to have known such a honest and true man. My deepst sympathy from myself and my family.

Some of my greatest childhood memories invloved Kenny. As I became an adult I came to respect and admire his approach to life and how to live and cherish each day to its fullest. My deepest condolences to Char, Scotty and everyone who loved this incredible man.

Char,



On behalf of the entire Wojcik family, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Ken was a very kind, generous neighbor and friend. He will be missed.

Ken will truly be missed by all. He was one of a kind and an inspiration to everyone that knew him.

My thoughts are with you in your time of grief.

To the Knudson Family:

On behalf of the Petersen family I wish to express our deepest sympathy over the loss of Kenny. We have many memories of growing up in the neighborhood with Kenny, our brother Billy (who past in Dec 1999) and rest of the Central Ave kids. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very sad time.

Karen (Petersen) & Terry Owens

Our family sends our most sincere condolences to you, Char and Scott, and to Gail. Ken and I are second counsins, and although I've not seen him for many years, I'm so pleased to hear of his positive legacy in all that he has done. Your family has many good memories to cherish.



Pat (Melzer) Sandlund & Family

I workd for Ken at the first Sybaris Inn in Downers Grove after it was open for maybe a year. Ken left a great impression on me. I always considered Ken as a man's man. Ken envisioned an increidble idea in the Sybaris, he was a black belt in Karate, handsome and a genuinly nice man. I remember this job well because it always brings up the funny story when about 20 sweaty Soccor players came in one night and asked to rent out all the rooms. Ha! I was the desk clerk and frankly did not know what to do but I muddled through it. What a wonderful idea, the Sybaris Inn was and obviously still is. My wife, Gina even bought her parents a night there and put a bottle of Champagne in thier room before arriving. This was a classy place! I am sure that Ken would not remember me since I only worked for him part time and maybe a couple of months but he made a lasting impression, one I always admired. My sincere heartfelt condolence to Ken's family. May God rest his soul.

Char -



All of your Keys' friends want to make certain that you know how much you and Ken are loved. You have both made such a positive difference in all of our lives and we are always grateful for your friendship and love. Ken's upbeat attitude and inspirational affirmations will live on in all of us with whom he shared them. You and Ken are, and always will be, an integral part of our Keys' "family".



With love and affection,

Colleen

Dear Charlene,

I am so sorry for you in this time of trouble. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. When things settle down, please email me and I will send you my new phone and address. Take care of yourself and know that I am thinking about you. Love Judy

ken left behind a meaningful legaacy for all of us. He was easy and in his easy way acomplished much and showed others how. He will always be remebbered as a gentelman who walked with honor and truth. We express our deeepest sympathy for his loss.

The very first time I met Ken was my first day at work and he told me my head is a satelite dish. I though he was crazy! It didn't take long to realize he wasn't crazy, he was always just more driven and enthusiastic than anyone I think I've ever met. I think the entire Sybaris staff will miss him and his presence very much.

WE WON'T FORGET THE MANY GOOD TIMES STARTING IN THE 1960'S WE HAD STREET RACING CARS AND HIS MOTORCYCLE. AFTER WINNING A RACE,
BUT UNABLE TO COLLECT HIS WINNINGS FROM A TOUGH GUY, KEN VOWED TO BECOME A BLACKBELT. HIS SUCCESS NEVER LET HIM FORGET WHERE HE CAME FROM AND WE KEPT IN TOUCH. TO QUOTE HIM FROM EVERY CONVERSATION "GOD BLESS".
OUR PRAYERS GO TO HIS FAMILY FROM JIM AND SHARI REIKER.

We only met Ken twice through a friend of Ken's, but he impressed us as a friendly, interesting person. We express our sympathy to his family.

To the Knudson family,

I truly regret your loss, I've had the privilage of knowing Mr. Knudson for 30 plus years. he was a great inspiration and a nature born leader, i will miss him deeply! his karate and spirit was some of best that I have ever seen. he will be truely missed. thank you sir for your kind words and friendship when i needed help when I lost my father. -- steve st.pierre

To the family of Ken

I knew Ken in Austin High School and years later. My late husband Tim Sullivan along with Fred Hoffman had many great times together. I kept up with all Ken's accomplishments through friends and admired him so much.

What a great guy. So very very sorry for your loss.

Marian Judd (Sullivan/Stocker)

CHARLENE, SCOTT AND FAMILY. I WORKED AT SYBARIS FOR 5 YEARS IT

WAS A MEMORY ILL NEVER FORGET. I LOVED WORKING WITH CHARLENE, AND KEN . HE REALLY GAVE ME A CHANCE TO MOVE UP. YOU WILL REALLY BE MISSED AND YOU HAVE TOUCHED MANY, MANY LIVES. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AT THE SYBARIS IN NORTHBROOK.CHARLENE IF YOU NEED TO TALK I AM HERE FOR YOU, LOVE PATTY

I had the privilege of working for Ken in Northbrook as well as being friends with Scott. I always looked up to Ken and his positive attitude in everything he ever did.

Though I have not spoken with him in many years, he was the kind of man you can’t ever forget as you journey through life. My greatest sympathy goes out to Scott & Charlene as well as the rest of his family, he will be greatly missed.

I met Mr. Knudson about 3 years ago at a karate tournament. It wasn't a big event but Mr. Knudson came anyway. I wish I would have had the opportunity to known him better.



My condolences go out to his wife and family. I read a statement when my sister died and I hope it brings you some comfort.



" A loved one has passed and left a place that can never be filled. Life can be the same after the loss of a trinket, but never after the loss of a treasure."



Respectfully,

Memories from the past... I worked for Ken & Sybaris about 15 years ago. He was a class act.It brings back many great memories of fun times & great people I've had the chance to work with. Still today I wonder where all of the old crew is.. for you Ken are riding on wings of angels. God Bless

I grew up with Ken. We lived across the street from each other on Central Avenue. I was also Scott's mother's friend. Ken was a great kid then and grew up to be a great man. My sympathy goes out to his wife, Char, his son, Scott, and to you Gail. God Bless all of you.

Our deepest sympathies on the loss of Ken. We knew Ken through business.He was a very kind person, he will be truly missed.

Richard and Ann Bernard

Welcome Back Printing

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Scott and all of Ken's family at this sad time. May God Bless all of you.

I was lucky to meet Ken years ago through my father Stu Granick and his good friends Mickey Urgang and Bob Gedan. I had the pleasure of travelling to Hong Kong with Ken on many occasions and will always have great memories of our breakfasts at the Salsbury. Ken was a great kind hearted person and will be missed by us all. I would like to send deepest sympathy to the entire family. And to Ken, I know you will always be in our hearts. Unit we meet again.



Dan Granick

Dear Char,

We are so sorry for the loss of Ken.I just talked to him about a week ago on the internet about getting together in the Keys.He will really be missed. God Bless and take care.

Love

SCOTT KNUDSON, KARL KNUDSON, MRS. CHARLENE KNUDSON, AND MRS. GAIL KNUDSON AND FAMILY, MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY ON THE LOSS OF KENNY. HE WAS MY "HERO", FRIEND, AND TEACHER. I WILL FOREVER MISS, LOVE AND RESPECT HIM.

Kenny was a man who lived life to it's fullest. He brought enthusiasm, passion, and humor into his life and the lives of his many friends and relatives. Kenny will be missed by many but forgotten by no one.

Char, you have my deepest sympathy.



Caryn Carsella

The world has lost one of the really good ones. Ken's positive attitude and genuine caring concern for everyone he met was really amazing. He set a model of citizenship that we all should aspire to.

I'll never forget the magical flight we had to New Orleans in your push-pull plane. We had such a great time in the French Qt.and even managed to take care of some business! I know that you're still flying, just in a different dimension.

Ken and I fought city hall as a team. Ken was well prepared, researched the subject and spoke calmly. Ken was eloquent in his arguements. I to the contrary, was loud, slipped in a few choice words, red in the face and about to explode through the top of my head. Ken put his hand on my arm

and I started to calm down. Ken then spoke up and said, as you can see Bob is very passionate about this subject. Ken and I were a great one, two punch!



Ken and I shared many stories about the hospitality business. Ken, you are in my prayers and you will always be an angel riding on my shoulder.

I just have to say what a great loss to all that knew Ken. I worked for him and Char at both locations over 14 years ago, and they were the greatest people to both me and the employees. Ken always had a smile on his face and a bounce in his step. I will truely miss him. Char if you need anything...don't hesitate to call or e-mail me. You both meant alot to me during my employment.

I had the privilege of working for Ken almost ten years ago, and our paths have crossed too few times since then. He is truly a dynamic indivdual whose vision has touched and enhanced the lives of thousands of Chicagoans and others from around the world. I miss him already.

Char & Family,



My deepest sympathy for your loss. Kenny was a joy to know and he will be missed.

Dear Char,

It seems like just yesterday when you and Ken were driving down a street in our neighborhood and I was walking. We chatted and I invited you to the Friday evening Happy Hour, then being held at Anglers. You made many new friends and later became a part of the regular Marathon snowbirds, like us.

Your Marathon family mourns your loss. Ken will be missed by all of us. Bernie and I wish we could fly up for the Memorial but our daughter,son-in-law and grandaughter are arriving Sunday. We will be with you in prayers and spirit. May the Lord bring you His peace. With love and affection, Margie

Ken:



You and I have known each other many years, both as a client and a friend.



You were always honorable and trustworthy.



We shared our love of flying.



You had me invest in Sybaris and profitably.



Though we hadn't seen each other for some time we did speak and not too long ago.



You will be missed.



Glenn

My deepest sympathies on the loss of Ken. I had the privilege of knowing Ken for many years thru my cousin Mickey. He was one of the finest gentleman I had ever met.

I grew up in the house next door to the Knudson family on Central Ave. in Chicago. I was very sorry to hear of your tragic loss. My prayers and condolences go out to you at this time.

We are so very sorry for your loss, Ken was a wonderfull man to work for. He will be missed.

On behalf of my grandfather, Chuck Allen and our entire family, I wish to express our deepest sympathy over the loss of Kenny. He will be sorely missed. May these few words express sincere sympathy to you and your family (including the entire Sybaris family).