On Wednesday morning, April 27, 2022, William “Bill” R. Knudsen, 67, went peacefully to be with the Lord. He was a loving and devoted husband, dad, brother, uncle, friend and most importantly “Poppy” to his loving family. Anyone that knew him knew that Bill was the true definition of a family man. His family was the center of his being. He always made his daily phone calls and visits to make sure everyone was fine and that no one needed anything. He was always everyone’s go-to for anything. His grandchildren were the lights of his life. He always made time for them and they were his first priority. He enjoyed his visits with his grandkids, watching them play sports, or helping them fix their trucks. Bill was a religious man who was often seen at St. John’s Church throughout the week. He was a true believer in doing what was right and demonstrated this by always trying to help others, especially the less fortunate. He always would say to his children and grandchildren, “Make sure you say your prayers.” He often would say how grateful and blessed he was by God, as he would point upward to the sky.

Bill was a lifelong self-employed, entrepreneur, woodsman, and mechanic. He got his start in the late 1970’s with the Owl’s Nest. From there he operated Complete Car Wash on Floyd Ave. A few years later he embarked on a path up north and became a woodsman. In the late 1990’s, he then took over the family business, Knudsen and Son’s and moved it to Lee Center. He then ventured back into the restaurant/bar business and was owner of The Red Moon Saloon until 2015. Bill was always dabbling in real estate, buying and selling houses and properties. Bill enjoyed life’s daily hustle and always had a project he was working on. His ideas were endless.

Bill was an avid golfer. His hobbies included golfing with his Church Crew on Thursday afternoons. He enjoyed his classic cars and often spent time at the drag strip racing. He enjoyed cooking his Sunday sauce, homemade pizzas, his famous bacon and eggs and applesauce pancakes. Many lessons, stories and laughs were heard over his infamous breakfasts. Everyone was always invited to come over and Bill would “make you a plate” and talk about the “good ol’ days”. He was a firm believer in what was right and what was wrong and his many lectures and lessons will live on in what he instilled in his kids and grandkids. He always found the bargain at the store and when you bought something you used it, for waste was a sin. He loved the holiday’s especially because it often meant homemade pierogies and golumpki. He would also con his grandkids into asking MiMi to make something for him because “they” wanted it, not him. He was a true foodie at heart. Bill was also famous for making his rounds at the local coffee shops with his many friends solving the world’s problems. Bill also had a love for flowers and gardening. He especially loved Spring and to see the Winter go.

Bill was born on June 12, 1954, in Bangor, Maine to his parents Bill and Jennie Knudsen. He was raised in Rome all his life. He married the love of his life, his rock, Marlene (Burlison) Knudsen on August 10, 1979, and they had four children, Michele (Ryan) Lucia, William “Billy” Knudsen, Sara (Scott) Burns, and Elizabeth “Liz” Knudsen; his eight (8) grandchildren Bennet “Ben Bomb” Knudsen, Ryan “Jade” Lucia, Michael Knudsen, Gracie Lucia, Leah Burns, Patrick Burns, Salvatore Bonanza, and Sophia Bonanza, his little partner in crime. He also leaves behind one sister, Patricia Knudsen, two brothers, Robert “Bob” (Colleen) Knudsen, and Thomas (Christine) Knudsen, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Per Bill’s request, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held in his honor at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 for family and friends to say their goodbyes. There will not be calling hours. His passing has left a huge hole in the hearts of those who loved him but his memories will live on.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc. 418 N. George St., Rome.