IL SR1549

George K. Knudsen of Pontiac passed away on October 24, 2014; he was born August 20, 1936 in Dwight to George Nelson and Leila Gertrude Parker Knudsen and married Germaine Centko on July 5, 1958.

Enlisted in the Illinois National Guard 129th Infantry Regiment, Company B in 1959 and retired at the rank of colonel in 1991 after 32 years of service, including active duty in the Army Reserve.

Received multiple military awards including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Illinois Long and Honorable Service Medal.

Retired from Caterpillar, Inc. after more than 40 years of service in 1996 and remained active in veterans' affairs as Chairman of the Livingston County Veterans Assistance Commission and member of the Livingston County Board.

Illinois Senate expresses sympathy and mourns his passing; survived by his wife Germaine, three children, six grandchildren, and a brother Thomas.