KENT – Finn Charles Appelgren Knudsen, our best friend (min bedste ven) and hero, passed away on October 2, 2026.

Born in Denmark on August 30, 1936, to Johannes and Alva Knudsen, Finn carried the spirit of his homeland with him throughout his life — a quiet strength, a warm smile, and a heart full of kindness. His two sons left Denmark and one moved to the United States and the other to Australia. He, and his beloved wife, Ulla, then made the life changing decision to leave their home in Denmark to move to the United States. He had been a resident of Silver Lake since 1998.

Finn retired from Scandinavian Airlines in 1995 after a long career in the IT Department. In retirement, he embraced the simple joys that defined him: vanilla ice cream, soccer matches, traveling, golfing, and whistling melodies with precision everywhere he went. He never wore socks, a small quirk that became a symbol of his easygoing nature and gentle humor.

He had a rare gift — the ability to make people feel lighter just by being near him. His positivity was steady and sincere, and everyone who met him walked away smiling. He didn’t just love his family from the sidelines, he participated in their lives, he celebrated, laughed, cheered, and showed up for them, again and again. There will never be another like our best friend, Finn (Far and Farfar).

He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Ulla; sons, Lasse (Jeannette) and Kim (Dan Dusanic); granddaughters, Nikkia (Jeff Serbin) and Giovanna (Josh Strunk); and great-granddaughter, Teagan (the sunshine in his eyes).

A celebration of Finn’s life will be held from 2 to 4 PM on October 18, 2026, at The Lodge at Firestone County Club, 452 East Warner Road, Akron, Ohio 44319.

Memorials may be made to the Achievement Centers for Children, P.O. Box 77045, Cleveland, Ohio 44194 or at Donate - Achievement Centers for Children.