Knute R. Dresden, 76, of Aurora, Illinois passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Mercy Medical Center Aurora. He was born January 4, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan.

Knute attended Divine Word College in Epworth, Iowa and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked as an Air Traffic Controller until the 1981 strike, he was one of the few controllers that were rehired and he proudly worked as a controller until his retirement in 2007. Knute also worked at Rush Copley Medical Center in the Bio/Medical department. He was a private pilot and later became a licensed drone pilot.

Knute had a wonderful generous spirit and helped people all the time. Even when he was homebound, he would help them on the phone with their electrical and computer problems.

He was a devoted member of St. Rita of Cascia Church and volunteered as often as possible. He was on the renovation committee and helped to design the church audio system. He was always willing to help the church with electrical issues or advice with audio problems.

He was an armature astrologer and his friends looked forward to his photos and advice on Facebook. He always told his wife, that when he passed, he wanted it known that he "died of old age."

He is survived by his wife Jo (Tvrdik) Dresden, and though he had no siblings he had so many dear friends who felt like his brothers and sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Anne (Szachta) Dresden.

A memorial mass will be held Monday, April 7, 2025, at 11:30 AM at St. Rita of Cascia Church; Fr. Juan Ayala will officiate.

In state memorial visitation will be held Monday, April 7, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the funeral hour at 11:30 AM at St. Rita Chuch.

Arrangements entrusted to THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 North Lake Street, Aurora, IL 60506. 630-631-5500.