It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jodi (Ustanko) Knudsen. Jodi died unexpectedly on September 12, 2024.
Jodi was born on May 3, 1978, in Grand Forks, ND, to Marley and Lois (Baird) Ustanko. She grew up in Grand Forks, ND, attending Holy Family Catholic School, Schroeder Junior High, and graduating with the class of 1996 from Red River High School. She went on to attend Northland Community College in East Grand Forks, MN, earning a degree in practical nursing.

While helping with flood recovery in 1997, she met James Knudsen III at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. They married in Las Vegas, NV, on February 19, 2000.  They also lived in Great Falls, MT, and Puyallup, WA during Jim's Air Force career. They have been raising their three children in Auburn, NH, for the last 5 years.

Jodi had a heart for serving others as a nurse and teacher. She practiced nursing at Valley Memorial Homes, United Hospital, and Grand Forks Clinic in Grand Forks and at Benefis Health System in Great Falls. Jodi laid a solid academic foundation for her children by home schooling them while living in Washington. She excelled as a coordinator in the homeschool co-op where she planned exciting educational field trips for up to 200 students and masterfully taught core courses within the co-op. Jodi most recently worked as a substitute teacher and paraeducator at the Auburn Village School in NH. She also was the Summer Camp Coordinator for Haus of Athletes in Methuen, MA. She was truly meant to work with children as an educator, her colleagues and students were very important to her. It was often said "she made learning fun". She positively affected many lives.

Jodi, Jim and the children were fortunate to travel to many U.S. States and a few countries including, Germany, France, and Puerto Rico. She was a wonderful travel companion who was always curious. They also enjoyed many vacations camping, hiking, touring cities and more. She enjoyed the time spent in her garden, growing fresh vegetables used to prepare interesting and delicious meals.

Above all else, Jodi loved her family. She was so proud of her three children.  She was so talented at planning great adventures whether at home or on a trip. She organized and researched the wide array of activities available before planning the itinerary. Most outings included family and friends who could count on having loads of fun while sharing time together. Jodi's home was the place to gather whether for holidays or before or after the children's school activities, a visit there always included food, fun, and festivities. Jodi particularly enjoyed attending her children's academic and athletic events.

Jodi was a precious gem that we all got to share. As broken as we are by this tremendous loss, we will forever remember her love, her adventures, her beautiful smile, and her conviction in expressing her personal point of view.
Jodi is survived by her husband of 24 years, James III; children Gracie, James IV, and Kieran of Auburn NH; her parents of Grand Forks, ND; sister, Jessica, of Belfast, ME & children, Isabelle & Ethan; in-laws James JR & Cheryl Knudsen of Marstons Mills, MA; sisters-in-law Janeen Knudsen & children, Ava & Timothy James, of Marstons Mills, MA, Christy (Corey) Lyman & children Payton & Lucas of Cabot, AR; brother-in-law, Justin (Jillian) Knudsen & son, Odin, of Plympton, MA; and grandmother, Mary Baird, of Grand Forks, ND. She is also survived by many dear cousins, aunts, and uncles.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Joseph & Lutivena Ustanko of Mandan, ND, and Willard Baird of Grand Forks, ND; uncles James, David, & George Ustanko; cousins Daryn and Zachary.

Friends and family are invited to Calling Hours on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 4-7 PM, at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 10 AM, at the funeral home. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit: www.carrierfuneralhome.com.