On Monday, September 29, 1997, in Minot, ND, there was a joy filled celebration when Brady Roy Knudson was welcomed into the world by parents, Kermit and Lori (Clauson) Knudson.  From birth to adulthood, the joy he brought his parents was never-ending.  Brady grew up on the Knudson Farm outside of Rolette allowing for the appreciation of God's creation, a trait nurtured by his parents.  In those young formative years, Brady was shown great love and admiration which allowed for him to become a genuinely kind man - forging relationships with the people of his church and community - always with a smile, first name greeting and possibly a handshake.

When it came time for Kindergarten, Brady reluctantly attended - feeling he was just fine not going and staying home w/ Kermit and Lori was all the schooling he needed.  However, Brady did find himself easing into the school life and as Junior High approached, he became active in extracurriculars.  He participated in basketball, baseball and football, with his best memory being part of the team to claim the title of High School Football State Runner-Up in 2016.  Go Comets! Brady graduated from Rolette High School in 2016.  His support of the Rolette High School Athletic program continued by attending games and cheering for the teams from the sidelines.

In Brady's childhood, patience, love and the value of simply spending time with people were modeled to him through the many treasured family and friendship bonds he and his parents hold.  The bond that remained the strongest is the one Brady created with his mom and dad.  Brady kept close tabs on them to ensure their security, safety and happiness.  In turn, Kermit and Lori held Brady near as well to ensure the same for him.  Brady admired his dad's work ethic and spent hours with him helping in various projects to include working on tractors, tending to the cattle or building/fixing miles of fence. Kermit and Brady also enjoyed hunting and trapping adventures together.  Brady's time with his mom was cherished immeasurably.  Multiple visits throughout the day, whether in person or on the phone.  They shared evening drives to see the sights of Rolette and neighboring communities, grab an ice cream cone or popcorn…just spending time with each other.  It was always a highlight for Brady to travel to Medora with Kermit and Lori in the summer.

In his young adult years, Brady served the community of Rolette by being a part of the Volunteer Fire Department and worked in various employment opportunities.  But what he found to be most rewarding was farm life - with his cows being a favorite. Brady purchased his first Bred Heifers in 2018 and that was just the beginning of many days spent at the sales ring, checking pastures, selling and buying cows.  Being around the cattle, Brady was thinking and feeling that "this is the best".  Little did he know the best was yet to come.

Brady ventured away from the farm in early 2023 to the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo.  It was at this event that he came upon who would eventually become the love of his life, Payton.  As Payton was attending school and working in Spearfish, SD, Brady's bi-weekly visiting trips soon began.  Ok, let's be real…weekly trips.  It was a thrilling time for them to experience the splendor of the Black Hills while getting to know each other and developing a firm foundation of friendship to uphold what would become their dedicated love to one another.  Family and friends were most certainly accepting of the love that was shared between the two of them.  Payton's parents and siblings were in awe of this kind and patient gentleman coming into her life and supporting her in every way imaginable.  Kermit and Lori adore Payton for the happiness and love she brought not only into Brady's life, but theirs as well.

On January 21, 2024, Brady took Payton to an area in the Black Hills where they once skipped rocks together and proposed marriage.  One month later, Brady welcomed Payton to what would be their new home in Rolette.  That summer was spent remodeling their home and planning a wedding.

In Crooks, SD, on September 21, 2024, with love on their faces and sparkle in their eyes, Brady Knudson and Payton Loiseau became husband and wife.  It was a perfect day for an outdoor ceremony, reflecting all things in life they hold important - right down to the cattle trailer that transported the bridal party between the nuptial site and the event venue.

Brady and Payton complemented each other in every way.  From work - doing chores together and evening drives checking the cows in the pasture to relaxation time - enjoying concerts and finding unique places for sweet treats and eats…especially sushi. Payton appreciated his willingness to help around the house, whether it be laundry, tidying up or cooking.  Brady and Payton's hospitality was evident as they would cook meals together and invite friends to join them. Just sitting back and visiting was what Brady considered time well spent. Although, a good win at the casino proved to be fun and he didn't turn away the opportunity to pull a good prank on his buddies!  Brady enjoyed using his meat smoker and made his first prime rib for the family meal this past Christmas - a task he accomplished well. Payton admired Brady's patience in all things, his support of her homesteading projects…and there are a few, his ability to be the best gift giver, and ultimately, the sweetness of his soul.  Heartfelt memories from their time together - and so many more that were yet to be made.  Payton will always hold in her heart the immense love her husband, Brady, showed her.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Brady Roy Knudson died in his home in Rolette, ND.  Brady was taken from Payton, Kermit, Lori, his family, his friends…his community, much too soon.

Brady will forever be adored and loved by his wife, Payton and parents, Kermit and Lori Knudson, all of Rolette. Brady is also survived by his South Dakota family of parent-in-laws, Tammy (Ryan) Winter and Shaw (Jolene) Loiseau; sister-in-law's, Reagan and Camryn Loiseau; brother-in-law's, Will Winter, Lawson and Korbin Loiseau; aunts and uncles - Peter (Claire) Knudson of Paris, France; Margaret (Knudson) Tumey of Denver, CO; Mark (Jody) Clauson of Fisher, MN; Cherie (Cliff) Heilman of Mandan, ND; Jay (Corrine) Clauson of Parshall, ND; and, Kelly (Brian) Jensen of Bottineau, ND.  Brady also leaves behind a host of cousins and extended relatives - and his presence will be missed in each and every one of their lives.  Those cousins held a special place in Brady's heart.

Payton, Kermit and Lori hold strong to the promise that Brady was met by Jesus with open arms as well as his maternal grandparents, Jim and Rita (Knuth) Clauson and paternal grandparents, Roy and Laura (Helland) Knudson.

On Sunday, February 1, 2026, there will be a visitation at Valle Lutheran Church in Rolette, beginning at 5:00 pm.  Prayer service along with sharing of memories will follow at 6:00 pm.

Brady's celebration of life will be held at Valle Lutheran Church in Rolette on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 11:00 am.  Lunch to follow the service.

Officiating will be Pastor Gene Wilson. Readers are Tim Letvin, Jay and Corrine Clauson.

A short time ago, the following men stood by Brady at his wedding as groomsmen and they will now carry their friend - their brother - to his final rest:  Joshua Clauson, Evan Tumey, Trace Armstrong, Lawson Loiseau, Will Winter, Kyle Shively, Jacob Lemieux and Adam Lemieux.

Payton, Kermit and Lori are grateful to all that have reached out in this time of significant loss.  Thank you to the Rolette Ambulance Department, Rolette Fire Department and Rolette County Sheriff's Department for their dedicated help in the matter.

Brady liked to visit in person, on the phone, via text and even snapchat. Those visits are going to be missed. In his honor, take a moment now and continue it in the days ahead, to reach out and check on a friend. This simple act can help lighten the burden many are enduring in this tremendous loss.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be provided to the family, in which donations will be shared to those causes that Brady held close to his heart.

**The funeral service will be live streamed on the Mountain View Ministry Facebook page.**

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.