Seal Harbor -- LTC (Retired) Walter Henry Knudsen, Jr., 85, was born April 20, 1932 in Sidney, New York to Walter and Esther(Bennett) Knudsen Sr. He spent his childhood in Jamestown, NY., graduated from Jamestown High School and attended prep-school to earn his appointment to the US Military Academy at West Point. After graduating West Point in 1956 as an infantry officer, he joined the Special Forces, serving in Korea, Vietnam, and many other post around the world.

While stationed at Ft. Bragg he met Paula Blaisdell, Army Nurse, who soon became his wife. They married on September 2, 1961, with Walt continuing to serve his country until his retirement in 1976. Walt and Paula retired to Seal Harbor, Maine with their three children, Pamela, Jennifer and Curtis. Following his military career, he continued to work, retiring from Greenrock Corporation and the Jackson Laboratory.

Walt was always an inspiration to his family and his community, actively showing his commitment through leadership in the American Legion, The Masons, Seal Harbor Old Timers, Seal Harbor Cemetery Association and St. Mary and St. Jude’s Episcopal Church vestry, Northeast Harbor.

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Paula Knudsen, his children Pamela Bell and husband Paul DuPerry of Hudson, Jennifer Tully and husband Dennis of St. Paul, MN and Curtis Knudsen Sr. and partner Darcie Carson of Gouldsboro; his grandchildren, Kelsey Schmersal and husband Jeremy, Jordan Bell, Brynn Knudsen and partner Aaron Robidoux and Curtis Knudsen, Jr.; great grandchildren, Blake Bell, Renesmae and Jase Walter Knudsen. He is predeceased by his parents and his son, Walter H. Knudsen, III.

Friends are invited to call 3-4pm, Sunday, March 4, 2018 with a funeral service to follow at St. Mary and St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Northeast Harbor with a reception to immediately follow the service. IGraveside Services will be held 10 am, Sat. June 2, 2018 at Seal Harbor Cemetery.

Contributions in Walters memory may be made to the Seal Harbor Cemetery Association, c/o Steve Pinkham, PO Box 74, Seal Harbor, ME 04675.

Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mt. Desert.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com