Services will be livestreamed on the Kesling Funeral Home Facebook page.

Celebration of life services for David Knudson, 56, of Pollock will be at 1 PM, Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Pollock Presbyterian Church. A memorial visitation will start at 7 PM Friday at the church with a prayer service at 7:30 PM. David passed away Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge is in charge of arrangements.

David Allan Knudson of Pollock, SD passed away peacefully on February 12th, 2026, at the age of 56 surrounded by his beloved wife, children, their spouses, grandson, and sister.

David was born June 30th, 1969, in Mobridge, SD to Leslie and Marilyn Knudson. He grew up on the family farm just a mile outside of the town of Pollock with his 5 siblings. The Knudson farm was a busy place filled with love, hard work, and lots of shenanigans.

David helped work on the farm, but his big passion was riding his 3-wheelers, and motorcycles. Many people around town will surely recall being woke early in the morning by David and his buddies tearing around on their motorcycles. When he got older David became the proud owner of a 1977 Chevy K5 Blazer. Many memorable moments were spent with his friends in it.

After graduating from the Pollock School in 1987 David attended Lake Area Voc Tech Institute in Watertown, SD to become an Aircraft Mechanic. After earning his certification David traveled to many places in the US to work including Everett, WA; Miami, FL (Eastern Airlines); Atlanta, GA; San Antonio, TX; Wilmington, OH; and then Seattle, WA (Airborne Express and Boeing). His final job would be in Jamestown, ND for Boeing.

When David moved to Seattle, WA in 1993 he met his future wife, Dianna. David and Dianna were married March 7th ,1994 and August 6th,1994. They loved each other so much they married twice in 1 year! They made their first home in Kent, WA and welcome daughter Lexi in 1997. They then moved to a new home in Tacoma, WA and welcomed their son Jakob in 1999. The family enjoyed going camping, visiting the WA coast, and having outdoor movie nights. He enjoyed home improvement projects and even added a glass sunroom onto their house with a hot tub in it, as well as a movie room. Every summer they made the 2-day drive to Pollock to visit family and friends. This was a highlight for David. He loved going home and sharing his love of the farm, 4 wheelers, and being on the river with Dianna and their kids.

David was a man of God. He was kind, loving, a bit of a daredevil (especially in his younger years), incredibly mechanical, creative, and a huge jokester. He would help anyone who needed it and teach anyone willing to learn any of the many skills he knew. He gave nearly everyone he met a nickname.

His most important roles were being a loving husband, an amazing Dad, and an even greater Papa.

David stayed positive through his many health issues that began when he was only 36 years old. He was courageous, and a fighter. He endured more than any one person should. When his heart could no longer take any more, he was placed on the transplant list. After waiting for just over 3 years, David received the gift of life on February 13th, 2016, from his amazing heart donor, Jason Moszer-a Fargo Police Officer killed in the line of duty. Through this gift, David was given almost 10 more years to love, laugh, watch both his children graduate high school, and get married. He and Dianna even took one of their bucket list trips to Hawaii. His biggest highlight would be becoming a Papa for the first time. He and his family were also able to build a wonderful relationship with his donors' family. As Dianna has always said, "We are doubly blessed, a heart for David and a bunch of new family members."

David is survived by the love of his life Dianna, their amazing children Lexi (Tristan) Grauman, and Jakob (Hailey) Knudson; Grandson Oscar David Grauman; two Grandbabies coming this year Roland Grauman and Emerson Knudson; Step-Father Larry Vander Vorste; Sisters Cindy (John) Steele, and Susan (Bill D) Kightlinger; Brothers Jay (Stacey) Knudson, and Jim (Diana) Knudson; Aunt Lucille (Sam) Bradley; and many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.

He is preceded in death by his Father Leslie, Mother Marilyn, Sister Cathy (Pat) Hartman, Nephew Adam Kightlinger, Grandparents Jake and Minnie Fish, Oscar and Emma Knudson; Uncles James, Kenny, Allan Knudson; and dear friends Lance Vander Vorste and Dane Volzke.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donating to the Sons of The American Legion Squadron #170, PO Box 21, Herreid, SD 57632, or the Garden of Healing Park Fargo, ND, at https://www.gardenofhealingpark.org/shop and please register to be an Organ Donor.