Richard L. Knutsen(1946-2021)

KNUTSEN, STENDER, VOLKERS

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 12/21/2021 at 18:30:55

Richard L. Knutsen, 75, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away Friday, December 17, 2021, at MercyOne Clinton Medical Center.

Richard Luvern Knutsen was born September 5, 1946, to the late Luvern and June (Stender) Knutsen and raised in rural Calamus. He graduated from Calamus High School in 1964, and attended Iowa State University before returning home to help on the farm. He served in the Army Reserve from 1966 until 1972. Richard was united in marriage to Sue E. Volkers on March 1, 1969, at the United Church of Christ in Wheatland. Rich farmed for 37 years, and was a substitute mail carrier for 17 of those years. He later drove dump truck, and then managed the sand pit, for Wendling Quarries. He retired in 2020, but would have worked longer if his health would have allowed.

Richard was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Grand Mound, where he held numerous offices. He was also a member of the Clinton County Pork Producers for a number of years, and served on the Farm Bureau Board for Orange Township. Rich enjoyed fishing with Michael, watching the Cubs, woodworking, and spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter and best buddy, Gracie Sue. He took pride in his well-manicured yard and fishpond. Rich was always someone who could be counted on, assisting neighbors and anyone who needed help.

He is survived by his wife, Sue; children, Michael (Lou) Knutsen of Sterling, Illinois, and Kerry (Bill) Garrow of Grand Mound; grandchildren, Brianna and Gracie Garrow; a sister, Julie Guidebeck; a niece and nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the service time of 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at Immanuel Lutheran Church Grand Mound, the Rev. Steven L. Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in DeWitt.