Martha A. "Marti" Knudsen, age 74, a longtime resident of Wheaton, died Wednesday, March 23, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. She was born March 21, 1931 in Fostoria, OH and was raised in Tyrone, PA.

Marti taught 28 years at the Wheaton Christian Grammar School, 23 of those years as a First Grade teacher, where she had an impact on many students, their parents, faculty and staff. She was an active member of Evangel Baptist Church in Wheaton where she served in the choir, nursery, and many other capacities. She was devoted to God and her family.

Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. (Proverbs 31:28-31)

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, N. Alfred "Al" Knudsen; her four children, Kathy (Kevin) Mannoia of Upland, CA, Marybeth (Eric) Sauter of Winfield, Ginny (Tim) Hoffer of Wheaton, and Billy (Lisa) Knudsen of Lombard; twelve grandchildren, Kristyn, Christopher, and Corey Mannoia, Carl, Matthew, Torrey, and Krista Sauter, Marta, Kurt, and Christian Hoffer, Cali, and Kiah Knudsen; and her brother, Rev. Harold (Jackie) Edmonds.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Mildred Edmonds.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 29, from 4-8 P.M. at Evangel Baptist Church, 1900 Manchester Road, in Wheaton, where a service will be held on Wednesday, March 30, at 10:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to the Wheaton Christian Grammar School, 530 E. Harrison St., Wheaton, IL 60187; or to Evangel Baptist Church, 1900 Manchester Road, Wheaton, IL 60187.