Donald Knudson, 92, of Concord, died peacefully at home while surrounded by family on May 6, 2024. He was the devoted husband for 67 years of Elfie (Mauser) Knudson.
Don earned his bachelor’s (class of ’54) and master’s degrees in electrical engineering at MIT, during which time he was a member of the ROTC. After college, Don served his country in the Army Corps of Engineers and was stationed in Germany, where he met and fell in love with his wife, Elfie.
During his career, Don was employed as an electrical engineer at Fairchild Aviation, MIT, MITRE, and Digital Equipment Corp. His professional work included projects to digitize the Library of Congress and print news media and contributions to the development of Ethernet and fiber optic networking.
Don enjoyed reading, tennis, travel, hiking, and gardening. An exemplar of character, integrity, and honesty to those who knew him, he was a lifelong advocate of civil rights, women’s rights, and environmental protection. He was devoted to his family and a loyal friend.
Don is predeceased by his parents, Harry and Helen Knudson, and by his siblings, Harry Knudson II and Betty Lashinsky. He is survived by his wife, Elfie; daughters Inge Knudson and her husband, Rob Comer, and Karin Knudson and her partner, Anthony Lash; grandchildren Max Comer, Karin Knudson, Evan Pratt, and Tyler Pratt; and four great-grandchildren, Tanner, Axel, Elfie, and Ryker.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to a favorite charity or cause of one’s choice that benefits the environment.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in his online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
