Mamie Louise (Johnson) Knutson (1915-2010)

KNUTSON, JOHNSON, KELLER, KELLEY

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 10/20/2010 at 09:15:48

THE STORY CITY HERALD, Story City, Story County, Iowa, Wednesday, September 29, 2010.

Mamie Louise Knutson slipped into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Sept, 21, 2010 in Broomfield, Colorado at the age of 95. Funeral services were held Monday. Sept. 27, 2010 at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Newton, Kansas with, the Rev. James W. Anderson presiding.

Mamie was the youngest child of nine children of Jonas and Julia Johnson. She was born March 20, 1915, in the farm home of her parents near Randall, Iowa. Mamie was the grandchild of Norwegian immigrants. She graduated from Randall High School in 1933, having been active in theatrical, musical, and athletic extracurricular activities.

During that era, girls' high school basketball was extremely popular in the state of Iowa. Mamie started every game at guard, beginning her freshman year in high school.

Following high school graduation. Mamie attended Iowa University and subsequently transferred to and graduated from Iowa State University with a major in secondary education. She taught in the public school system in Ankeny from 1938 until 1941 when on March 9 of that year she married Eugene Harold Knutson of Eagle Grove. Iowa, at the Elim Lutheran Church in Randall.

Mamie and Gene lived and worked a short while in California prior to the outbreak of World War II on Dec. 7, 1941, following which Gene enlisted in and later became an officer in the United States Army Corp of Engineers serving with distinction until 1.945,

Following World War II, Mamie and Gene lived in Iowa, Minnesota, and eventually moved to Newton, Kansas, in 1964. In May, 2009, Mamie and Gene moved to the Broomfield, Colorado area to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

From 1973 until 1977, Mamie and Gene lived in Brussels, Belgium, where Gene was managing the European operations for the Hesston Corporation. During this time Mamie and Gene traveled extensively in Central and Western Europe, Africa, Russia, and what was then the Communist Block countries.

Mamie was an accomplished pianist and organist and was the lead church organist for seven years at the Minnetonka (Minnesota) Lutheran Church where, for two years due to rapid growth of the congregation, she played three services every Sunday as well as playing for weddings and funerals.

With her husband Eugene. Mamie was an avid golfer and played courses throughout the world including South. Africa, Australia, Central Europe, and Scotland.

Mamie also spent much time in Manhattan, Kansas. accompanying her husband Gene, who is the founder and president of The Harrold Company of Manhattan. Kansas, exporters of agriculture equipment to Australia and a partner with son Colt in the operation of Mud Creek Ranch of Flush, Kansas.

Mamie was a 75 year member of the Sisterhood of P.E.O., a member of Ladies Reading Circle, and active in the First Presbyterian Church (Newton, Kansas), where she had served as an Elder.

Mamie is survived by her husband Eugene of Newton, Kansas and Broomfield, Colorado; son Jay and wife Suzy of Boulder, Colorado; son Colt Knutson and fiancee Linda Keller, both of Manhattan. Kansas; daughter Anne and husband Dick Kelley of Superior, Colorado; add four grandchildren, Geoffrey Knutson and Courtney Kelley of Boulder, Colorado, Dr. Jennifer Knutson of Seattle, Washington, and Brittany Kelley of Newport Beach, California.

A memorial service will be held at The Stratford at Flatirons, 400 Summit Blvd., Broomfield, CO 80021 on Sept. 30 at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Permanent Endowment Fund at the First Presbyterian Church. 900 Columbus Avenue, Newton, KS 67114.