Laura Irene Knudson, 88, of Philomath, Oregon, passed away on August 24, 2024, in the company of her family.
Laura was born November 11, 1935, to Bruce and Thelma Hamm of Philomath, Oregon. Bruce and Thema owned acreage west of Philomath on Woods Creek Road where they had timber and ran a few cattle. Laura grew up on this Woods Creek property with her four siblings, Bruce Jr., Steve, Ron and Tim.
Laura met Richard (Dick) Knudson in 1951 when she was 15 and he was 18. Three years later Laura and Dick were married on June 27, 1954. The two eventually bought property up the road from Bruce and Thelma’s place. For over five decades they made a life together on Woods Creek, raising five children (Debi, Rick, Peggy, Larry and Mitch) and running a successful family logging business.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Thelma Hamm; brothers, Bruce Hamm Jr. and Ron Hamm; and by Dick in 2013, her husband of 59 years. She is survived by brothers, Steve Hamm and Tim Hamm; her five children and their spouses, Debi (Butch) Bedell, Rick (Rita) Knudson, Peggy (Kurt) Hobin, Larry (Janet) Knudson and Mitch (Nicolle) Knudson; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
A service will be held in Laura’s honor at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 21, at the Peace Lutheran Church, 2540 Applegate St., Philomath, OR 97370.
A short reception will be held immediately after the service, with a graveside gathering for immediate family members to follow.
In lieu of flowers, we ask you please submit donations to Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care.