Lois Jerene (Erickson) Knutson (1926-2015)

KNUTSON, ERICKSON, PRESCOTT, PARLIN, REISETTER

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 8/22/2015 at 09:46:01

Obituary From Boeke Funeral Homes, Hardin County, Iowa.

Lois Jerene (Erickson) Knutson was born on October 3, 1926 in Ames, Iowa to Lloyd and Josie (Prescott) Erickson and was baptized at the Salem Lutheran Church in Roland, Iowa. As a child she was active in school and church. Lois was confirmed at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ames, Iowa.

Lois graduated from Ames High School in 1944 and then attended Iowa State College for one quarter and then transferred to Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa for teacher training. After graduation in 1946 Lois taught seventh and eighth grade science, history and literature in Zearing, Iowa.

On May 24, 1947, Caleb Knutson and Lois (Erickson) were joined in marriage in Bethesda Lutheran Church, Ames, Iowa. For the first six years of marriage they resided in Radcliffe, Iowa while in farming partnership with Caleb’s parents. In the fall of 1952 they exchanged houses with Caleb’s parents and moved out to the country where they resided for 50 years. During these first years she was very active in the raising of their four children, Robert, Joel, Lila and Ben, flower and vegetable gardening, helping on the farm and volunteering at church. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and later Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Radcliffe.

Lois returned to college first at Iowa State University and then transferring to University of Northern Iowa. She drove the 128 mile round trip four times a week until she received her degree in 1972 in Library Science. In the fall of 1972 she began her teaching career as the librarian in the Roland–Story Middle School where she taught for 30 years. During Lois’ last year in 2001 she was surprised by the school and a former student, Eric Hanson, and given the Golden Apple Award for teaching excellence.

Lois loved teaching and volunteering her time. At church she was a Sunday school teacher and choir member for many years. In 1980 she was the co-editor of the Radcliffe Folks and Facts book that was published in honor of Radcliffe’s 100 year celebration.

She seized many opportunities that allowed her to travel. In 1988 she and Caleb traveled to Japan to visit their son, Joel and his family at Camp Zama where he was stationed in the Army. In 1992 they toured Norway and Sweden with the Waldorf Alumni Choir. She also enjoyed many summer family vacations. Many 4th of Julys’ were spent at the Kimble (Erickson) Lake cabin in Minnesota where the entire extended family would gather. Whether she was traveling near or far she never missed a chance to stop in and see family and friends along the way.

“Our children have been a blessing to us and my tasks have never been cumbersome or dangerous. All my primary needs have been supplied. Shelter, food, family, work and the greatest gift of all – LOVE!! Whatta joyous journey!!”

The Lord came to take her home peacefully and graciously on August 1, 2015 at her home in Radcliffe. Lois was 88 years old at the time of her death. May the Lord bless her soul.

Those left to cherish her memory is her husband of 68 years, Caleb Knutson, their four children, Robert Knutson (Nancy) Cottage Grove, WI, Joel Knutson (Jennifer) Nisswa, MN, Lila Parlin Medical Lake, WA and Ben Knutson (Carin) Radcliffe, IA. Her grandchildren, Emilie, Hawk, Alyssa, Katie (Keith), Mark (Hanna), Aaron, Adrienne (Brent), and one great-granddaughter, Charlotte. Her brothers Richard (Mavis) Erickson and Jim (Jan) Erickson and sister-in-law Karen Erickson and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd Erickson and Josie (Prescott) Erickson, her brothers, Harold Erickson and Marvin Erickson, her sisters Ramona Erickson and Naomi Reisetter and a daughter-in-law, Marcia Knutson.

Aug 8 Saturday
Service
10:30 AM
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
601 Isabella, Radcliffe, IA 50230, United States

Cemetery Details
Location
Radcliffe Cemetery
Radcliffe, Iowa, United States

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