Longtime Iowa Make-A-Wish Philanthropist Dies

Allan Knudsen of Urbandale, Iowa spent more than 20 years of his life making dreams come true for critically ill children.

His obituary in The Des Moines Register added this of his involvement: "he followed the children and their families throughout the years becoming like part of their family. He was influential in the formation of the Des Moines Kiwanis Miracle League in 2007 believing baseball is for all children no matter their abilities. He was the announcer every Saturday for the games, knowing each individual by name."

The longtime volunteer "helped start Jolly Holiday Lights, the biggest fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Iowa," according to KCCI.

On Wednesday, January 26, he passed from a massive stroke. He was 64.

One of his longtime friends, Steve Foritano, said this to KCCI:

He is the typical unsung hero, and when I mean hero I am not using that term lightly. He probably has done more for the community than everybody will ever realize, simply you don't know the name but you know the work.

The thing about Knudsen was that he wasn't just part of the organization of events -- he maintained relationships with severely ill children and spent a significant amount of time visiting them in different hospitals.

Cheryl Suvic, Knudsen's sister, shared her appreciation for who her brother was:

He had a big heart. He was so compassionate about his causes and he gave his all for that.

As shared in The Register, "A sports-themed visitation will be held on Friday, February 4, 2022, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. The family requests that you wear your favorite sporting attire."

The funeral is Saturday, Feb. 5, at New Hope Assembly of God Church in Urbandale.