Wilmer Chester Knutson 1905-2000

KNUTSON ULVEN RIDDLE

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 4/16/2009 at 00:07:56

Onawa Democrat
9 March 2000

Wilmer (Pete) Chester Knutson, 94, formely of Soldier, Iowa,died Monday, February 28, 2000, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Mapleton, Iowa.

Pete was born August 4, 1905 on a farm near Soldier, Iowa the son of Richard and Gunda Ulven Knutson. On September 16, 1925, he was united in marriage to Mary Riddle of Ute at Onawa, Iowa. The couple farmed in the Soldier area 42 years, retiring in 1970. They moved to Sloan in August 1980 living there until June of 1998 when they moved to Maple Heights Nursing Home. "Pete" and Mary celebrated 73 years together.

Pete was a life long member of Soldier Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He was in the first class confirmed in English rather than Norwegian. He attended country school and then later served as Director of Joredan #2 Country school.

He is survived by two sons and their wives, Wilmer Jr and Bernice of Soldier and Russell and Donna of Boone, Iowa; a daughter and her husband, Barbara and Lyle Wallin of Laurens, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and 14 great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, his parents; three brothers, Roy, Milford and Henry; and two sisters, Leona Klaus and Clarise Kelly.

Pete and Mary enjoyed attending senhior citizen dances. Pete also was an avid pinochle and gin rummy player. He enjoyed his life, family and friends.

Services were held at 1:30 P.M. Friday, March 3, 2000 at the Soldier Lutheran Church at Soldier, Iowa, with Rev Paul E Anderson officiating. The organist, Mrs Odilo Gibbs Ahlers, accompanied the congregation in singing "Beautiful Savior", "God Will Take Care of You" and "Amazing Grace".

Honorary Bearers were Shirley Radtke, Nancy McLaughlin, Linda Ambrose, Tricia Young, Maureen Huisinga, Anna Grell and Monica McAlpin.

Casket Bearers were Richard Knutson, Gary Knutson, Steven Knutson, Bruce Knutson, Marc Wallin and Donald Knutson.

Interment was in St Clair Cemetery at Ute, Iowa with arrangements by the Pearson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Soldier, Iowa