David was born on December 19, 1945 in Duluth, Minnesota. He joined the Knudtson Family in June of 1946.  As a small child Dave would climb up on his Grandma's piano bench and play the piano.  That's where it all started and that is what he was most happy doing his whole life... making music!

Dave graduated from Halstad High School in 1963 and studied electronics for two years at Thief River Falls Technical College. It was there that be became interested in theater and got his first job as a projectionist.  After graduation, he moved to Pembina, ND to work for KCND -TV. In January of 1967 he went to work for KTHI-TV in Fargo as a "switch operator." He was transferred to Grand Forks and then back to Fargo as Operations Manager in 1973.  At this time he was also working part time as projectionist at Cinema Theaters in both Grand Forks and Fargo.

After leaving the TV station, Dave became the manager of the Fargo Theater and was instrumental in and dedicated to the renovation of the historic theater. David was a long time member of the American Theater Organ Society.  With the help of this non-profit organization, Dave helped restore the Wurlitzer pipe organ and spent many hours refurbishing the theater.  He played the organ at Silent Movie nights and also helped to bring the first Silent Movie Film Festival to Fargo.

Dave taught radio/TV production for a while at Moorhead State College. He played theater organ scores there for over 30 years as well as playing church services at Bethany Lutheran Church and at Eventide in Moorhead.

Whenever there was a need for someone to play special music or wherever there was a need for technical help... Dave was there! Dave's amazing musical talent and his unique personality will always be remembered by all those whose lives he touched.

David died peacefully on March 11, 2018 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo with family and friends by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Selma (Tox)  and Ernest Knudtson and his brother-in-law, Bernard (Mick) McLain.  Dave is survived by his partner, Curt Schwandt of Moorhead, MN , his sister, Sharyn McLain of Fullerton, CA, his brother, Gary Schmid of Duluth, MN, his nephew Bernard (Rocky), his wife, Tamara and daughter, Katalina of Rocky Top, TN.

A memorial service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church near Shelly, MN on Saturday March 24, 2018. at 11:00am .

A reception will follow the service  where you can share your memories and stories about Dave.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Bethany Church or to Eventide in Moorhead.