Christian (Chris) Tandrup Knudsen, 87, of Fennville, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025. He was born on August 24, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, to Danish immigrants Frederick and Sonja (Tandrup) Knudsen and resided in the Roseland neighborhood.  Chris attended Fenger High School where he played football from 1952-1954.  After graduating from Fenger High School, Chris honorably served in the US Navy from 1956-1958, after attending the US Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, IL.

Chris married the love of his life, Sharon (Heinz), in October of 1975. Together they built a life filled with love, family, and shared adventures. He was a devoted father to his children from his first marriage, Chris and Kimberly, and a proud grandfather to Samantha and Molly.

Upon leaving the Navy, Chris embarked on a career in the waste management business, retiring after 40+ dedicated years.  Chris & Sharon then moved to their favorite location…Saugatuck, MI, where they had spent many joyful years of boating and making new friends.

Chris loved the water and found joy in boating on Lake Michigan. He was also an avid marksman and enjoyed time spent at the local gun club. A lifelong sports fan, he rarely missed watching a football game—especially when it came to cheering on Da Bears and the University of Michigan. Go Blue!

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon, his parents, Frederick and Sonja (Tandrup), his brother, Roy (Joan), and sister Sonja (Richard) Schneider.  He is survived by his loving brother, Fred Knudsen (Cathy), his children, Chris Knudsen (Renata) and Kimberly Hood (Fred Kubanek), and his cherished granddaughters, Samantha Hood and Molly Knudsen.

Chris will be remembered for his loyalty to family, his passion for the outdoors, and his unwavering spirit. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Wings of Hope Hospice ( wingsofhopehospice.com )