Niels Alfred "Al" Knudsen, age 81, a longtime resident of Wheaton, died Wednesday, September 23, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. He was born March 17, 1928 in Hinsdale, Illinois to Niels Alfred Sr. and Emma Rose Knudsen.

Al owned and operated Ben Wood and Associates, an advertising and design company. He had previously worked for Gideon's International. He was an active member of Evangel Baptist Church in Wheaton for 40 years where he served in many capacities including choir director, nursery worker, board member, and deacon. He was a member of the Artist Series Board at Wheaton College. He expressed his love of God's perfect design through music, the visual arts, and nature. He was devoted to God and his family.

Blessed are those who dwell in Your house, ever singing Your praise! Blessed are those whose strength is in You. Psalm 84:4-5a

He is survived by four children, Kathy (Kevin) Mannoia of Upland, CA, Marybeth (Eric) Sauter of Winfield, Ginny (Tim) Hoffer of Wheaton, and Billy (Lisa) Knudsen of Lombard; thirteen grandchildren, Kristyn, Christopher, and Corey Mannoia, Carl (Melissa), Matthew, Torrey, and Krista Sauter, Marta, Kurt, and Christian Hoffer, Cali, Kiah, and Ahry Knudsen.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Martha A. "Marti" Knudsen, his parents, two sisters, and a brother.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 27, from 3 to 7 P.M. at Evangel Baptist Church, 1900 Manchester Road, in Wheaton, where a service will be held on Monday, September 28, at 10:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to Evangel Baptist Church, 1900 Manchester Road, Wheaton, IL 60187.