Mary L. Knudson, age 94 of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at her home, with her loving husband by her side.

Born on August 19, 1923 in Kenosha, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Julia (Sielicki) Bielewicz.  She attended local schools and was a graduate of Kenosha High School, where she was a member of the Trident Swimming Club.  Mary attended vocational school to learn secretarial skills.

On October 23, 1945, at Grace Lutheran Church in Kenosha, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Emerald “Dixie” Knudson.  Together they built a wonderful family and they enjoyed many years at their Pleasant Prairie farm.

In 1945, during World War II, Mary enlisted and served as a WAVE in the women's branch of the United States Navy.

She was employed as a waitress at many local restaurants, including the Dutch Maid and Coffee And.  Mary also worked as a cashier at A & P Grocery Store, Coopers/Jockey, AMC and for ten years Quaker Industries.

Mary was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother.  She happily welcomed everyone into her home and you never left hungry.  Her homemade baking was always a treat; especially when her homemade pies filled the air with sweetness.

When her children were young, Mary was actively involved in the Pleasant Prairie PTA and she was a Poll-Worker for many elections.

Mary will always be remembered by her loving husband of 72 years, Emerald Knudson; her two sons, William (Roberta “Bobbie”) and David (Linda) Knudson; her two daughters, Patricia (Dan) Wells and Carol Chirempes; her eight grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Edwin and Carl “Speck’s” Bielewicz; and two sisters, Gladys Gergel and Louise Widmar.

Mary’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at BrightStar Care for the compassionate care and support they provided.

Service Info

A Memorial Service honoring Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 12:00 Noon at the Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720 39th Avenue, Kenosha, WI. Inurnment with full military honors will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.