Floyd 'Curly" Knudson

“Curly” (Floyd) O. Knudson, 90, Green Bay passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 16, 2010. Curly was born on April 30, 1920 in Westbrook, Minn, the son of the late Carl and Lena (Rupp) Knudson. Curly served his country in the United States Air Force- 153rd AACS Squadron from November 1942 until his honorable discharge in 1945. During that time he was a tower operator, cryptographer and was stationed on the Galapagos Islands. On September 8,1942 he married “Leala” (Olive) Chiesa. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Curly was offered a job in 1946 by Harry Kroll working in a restaurant in Green Bay. A year later he was behind the bar at the Labor Temple, where because of his crew-cut, he first received the nickname “Curly”. In 1951, Mike Tilkens offered him a job and he accepted and remained at Mike Tilkens Tavern on Broadway until his retirement. At that time, it was a working man’s bar, where factory laborers, railroad men and an occasional off duty fireman or policeman might stop to rest their elbows on the bar and talk shop. In his off time, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He liked to sit in a boat in Rileys Bay, Little Sturgeon, Wis., coaxing perch to “bite” on his hook. He also loved to work in his yard and was especially proud of his flower gardens- thanks to Green Bay Floral. Curly is survived by his loving wife, Leala and his children, Mickey (Renee) Knudson, Green Bay; Cindy (Bob) Bishoff, Green Bay; Wendy (Jim) Graf, Juneau, WI; Kevin (Shelly) Knudson, Isanti, MN; grandchildren Dan (Rebecca) Knudson, Peter Mortenson, Carrie (Rick) Wilson, Kristin (Paul) Kerkhoff, Eric (Annie) Knudson, Matt Knudson and special friend Dawn Livingston, Heidi (Mike) Kucharski, Prestin (Jody) Graf and great-grandchildren. He is further survived by nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Lena, his brothers, Glen and Erick, sisters Lyla Bashans and Frances Gjesdal, brothers-in-law, Jake Bashans and Albert Gjesdal, sister-in-law Beverly Knudson, niece Lynne Knudson, great-granddaughter Katie Marie Wilson. In honor and respect of Curlys wishes a private Celebration of Curlys life will be held at a later date. A special thank-you to Unity Hospice and all of their Angels here on Earth who were so compassionate in Curlys last few months, especially Tracy, Leslie-Ann, Alicia and Chaplain Bob, God Bless. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to: Unity Hospice 2366 Oak Ridge Circle De Pere, WI 54115

Floyd 'Curly" Knudson

April 30, 1920 - May 16, 2010