Knut T. Gundersen, Luther class of 1947 and previously professor at Luther (1959-1972) passed away Feb. 22, 2018.

His funeral was March 8, 2018 at Bremnes Church in Norway, where he also was baptized, confirmed and married.

Having come to Luther College from Norway, Knut joined a tradition of outstanding international alumni, and went on to earn a master’s degree in German at the University of Colorado. He then became area director of the Lutheran World Federation service to refugees in Germany. Without doubt, his ability to speak several languages fluently facilitated communication between competing forces in Germany after World War II, and put a human face on aid to refugees.

Knut Gundersen’s experience in Germany reveals a lifelong pattern of intellect, social concern and spiritual values. He returned to the United States to ground himself thoroughly in religion at the Universities of Chicago and Southern California, where he earned the Ph.D. in 1956. From academe, he went again into world service, this time as an education leader for the Lutheran Church in Palestine, a position he held for three years.

Luther College was fortunate enough to hire Knut Gundersen as professor of Scandinavian studies from 1959 to 1972. He left his alma mater a lasting legacy. The Institute in American Studies for Scandinavian Educators was Knut Gundersen’s idea. Not only did he conceive of the summer program, he got funding, organized the institute and directed it for two years. A model of international professional exchange, the Institute continued for 49 years, ending in 2012. Dr. Gundersen was awarded the coveted St. Olav’s medal in 1973, in recognition of distinguished service to Norway, and received the Distinguished Service Award from Luther in 1997 in recognition of his service to the college.

To celebrate his career, his colleagues around the world honored him by publishing a collection of articles under the title “Church, Religion, Society.” Knut Gundersen lived these themes in his contact with others. In addition to his scholarship and service, we at Luther College also remember the warmth and graciousness that made him, his wife Marit, and their three daughters Aina, Inta, and Asta, so valuable to the Luther community. Although prominent in the world, Dr. Gundersen was never too busy to welcome a new faculty member or encourage a student.

He had a wonderful life, of which Luther was an important part, both for him and the rest of his family.