Margit Ann Knudsen
With the dawn of a beautiful spring day, the gentle hands of Margit Knudsen unexpectedly released their grip on life. Her walk through this world began in Missoula on August 16, 1944 and ended in Helena on April 21, 2012. One of four children, she was the daughter of LaVon and Sverre Knudsen, educators in the Missoula Public School system. Upon graduating from Missoula County High School, and after a year at the University of Montana, she pursued a career as a beautician. In 1967, Margit married Larry Dawkins, whose work as a logger took them to various locations in the Northwest. During that time, they had two wonderful sons, Brad and Erik.
Following a divorce in the early 1980’s, Margit and her boys made their home in Helena where she worked for Montana government. Ultimately, she chose to pursue her avocation of creating stained glass art. Her glasswork ranged from unique ornaments to custom stained glass pieces for homes and businesses. Her “Reflections by Margit” designs were well known at art and craft fairs across Montana. As she had time, she loved gardening and growing beautiful flowers.
Margit truly loved her family, and her granddaughters were the highlight of her life. They held a special place in her heart and brightened her world; she sparkled at the mention of their names. As Margit loved her granddaughters, her granddaughters loved Margit.
Survivors include son Erik Dawkins, wife Cara and granddaughters Grace and Rachel of Belgrade; son Brad Dawkins, wife Stacy and granddaughter Karlee of Lewistown; brother Gerhard Knudsen and wife Gayle of Missoula; brother John Knudsen and wife Lauren of Missoula; sister Trudi Shjeflo and husband Doug of Dayton, Montana; special nephew and nieces, Leif and Olivia Shjeflo, and Elyse and Jocelynn Knudsen; and her feline companion, Casey.
Services celebrating the life of Margit Ann Knudsen will be Saturday, April 28 at 4:00 p.m. at the East Helena United Methodist Church with Pastor Dave Greep officiating. Interment will be in the Missoula Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be Friday, April 27 in the Retz Funeral Home Chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a tree or flowers in her memory. Memorials may be given to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society or a charity of your choice. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Margit, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Margit, may the angels guard and protect you as you go along your way.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Pat Johnston says
I am so sorry to learn of Margit’s passing. My sympathy to Erik and Brad and other family members. I remember Margit’s beautiful stained glass and visited with her often at craft shows. May our Lord wrap you all in His arms and give you His peace.
Claudia E Thomas says
I worked with Margit for several years back in the early-mid 80s and have always remembered her.
Prayers to your family and friends during this time of grieving. She is in a far better place where we will be together again one day.
Claudia
Sally Nyland says
My condolences to the family of Margit. You are in my thoughts at this sad time.
I met Margit years ago when she came to recreational volleyball so have known her for awhile. I lost contact with her until about a year ago and caught up on our lives.
I know Margit had some difficult times during her walk through life and hopefully now she can rest and be at peace.
nancy nys says
My deepest sympathy to Eric and Brad and their family for the loss of their mother. May Margit be a peace.
Marti Holland says
We were so sad to read the news of Margit’s passing. I met Margit years ago while in Parents without Partners. She was a good friend and always had a welcoming smile and a friendly laugh. I just saw her not too long ago while shopping and we took a few minutes to say hi and catch up. Our sincerest sympathies in your loss. I know she will be missed.
Nancy Lee Hendricks says
Margit, you were a dynamic heart-felt friend who enjoyed life. I wish we could have stayed in touch throughout our years after high school. You are remembered with fondness.
–your friend, Nancy Lee
Mike Hausler says
Brad/Erik, I am so very sorry to hear about your mom. I grew up with all of you and this saddens me deeply. I enjoyed many conversations with your mom in downtown Helena at the many arts and craft fairs I would see her at. She loved talking about her boys – well, just just loved to talk period! I will miss her. Peace to you all.
Mike Hausler
Bill Knudson says
I want to offer my deepest sympathy to Margit’s family–her sons Brad and Erik and to her brother’s and sister (Gerhard, John and Trudi as well as their families). Margit did not have an easy life, I think she struggled and tripped occasionally as we all do sometimes but she had a beautiful heart and a smile and a welcoming presence like no one else. She could embrace you and make you feel so good without much effort. I think she understood so many things that she did not divulge and maybe did not quite know how to express. I am sure there is going to be a hole in your hearts and my prayers are with you. I am sorry I cannot be there to celebrate Margit’s life. I will be there in spirit and in prayer. I will indeed plant some flowers for her (her Uncle Darrell, if he was capable would plant an acre of flowers for her if he could but his state is not such as to make that possible). I am saddened by her death but know that she is in a place we will all be someday (home). We will (as a family) send money to the Humane Society)
valerie thompson says
May the family of Margit Knudsen find comfort in your loving memories, and in knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34:18) While grief at the loss of Margit is great, joy at receiving her back in the resurrection will be greater. (Mark 5:42) With deepest sympathy,
Julie Massaro says
I worked with Margit at MHESAC years ago. She was always so full of life and had a constant smile on her face. My prayers go out to her family. What a wonderful angel you all have watching over you!
Sincerely,
Julie Massaro