Knut Gerhard Fjeldheim

He was born in Haugesund, Norway. Knut was married to his beloved Kristine (Vigsnes) Fjeldheim for 70 years. Knut grew up on a small island across the canal from the mainland, Risoy, where he enjoyed fishing in the ocean for a variety of fish, crab, lobster, and shrimp. Many of his childhood days were spent with his grandfather on the Fjeldheim Farm in the countryside just outside of Haugesund, and he often rode his bicycle 20 miles inland to visit aunts, uncles, and cousins in the countryside. He attended grammar school and high school in Haugesund. As a young man Knut got his master-builder papers and license. After this he studied structural engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Norway. He built a prosperous company in Haugesund. At the time they immigrated to the USA, his construction company employed 12 carpenters, and he had a small factory that made Norway’s first pre-fabricated kitchen cabinets, doors and windows. However, Knut had wanderlust. He had always wanted to travel. His spirit was “Go west young man, go west”. He convinced Kristine that moving to the United States would be a good idea. They took their family and immigrated to Minneapolis, in March 1960. They had many adventures together, learning English, a new society and way of living. As his English improved, so did his professional life in Minneapolis. He started as a helper until he learned English and ended up being responsible for overseeing the building of the Minneapolis Auditorium and other large and small buildings in the Minneapolis area. Knut and Kristine also enjoyed flipping houses. Being an immigrant means having your heart in two places. This is the way it was for Knut and Kristine. They have moved back and forth between Norway and the USA several times. That wanderlust never left. Knut was an energetic, knowledgeable, emphatic, kind and a honorable man. He was well liked and had many good friends that lasted a lifetime both in the U.S. and in Norway. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and husband. Kristine and Knut made a wonderful team. They have had a great love story and a rich life together. In his retirement years, Knut enjoyed woodcarving, employing methods utilized by the Vikings in the 1300’s, all by hand, no electric tools. He also enjoyed fishing at his cabin in the fjord where he set up crab and lobster traps.

He is survived by his wife; Kristine, his children in Norway; Guri Ims (Andreas), Knut Jr., in Marquette; Sten Fjeldheim (Pam) and Anne Jackson, two sisters; Ingrid Fjeldheim and Aslaug Torkildsen, live in Haugesund, Norway, his grandchildren; Liv-Kristin, Knut-Johan and Ingrid live in Norway, Annette lives in Italy, David, Andrew, Kirsten, Stig, Stina and Kristian all live in the USA. He also has 12 great-grandchildren.

Knut was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church and Mindekirken (the Norwegian Lutheran Church in Minnespolis).

The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at www.fassbenderswansonhansen.com.