Thelma A. (Hovey) KNUTSON

HOVEY, KNUTSON, O’RADNIK, PFEFFERLE, BERKVAM, STRATTON, ARGALL

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/31/2009 at 09:15:40

Thelma A. Knutson
February 5, 1911 – April 26, 2008

A Celebration honoring Thelma Knutson’s life will take place at Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake on May 30, 2008 at 1:30 PM. Born to Severin and Betsy Hovey in Badger, IA, Thelma was the youngest of six children, Edgar, Amy, Clara, Lyla and Mildred. She was baptized and confirmed at the Badger Lutheran Church, which was built by her grandfather, Erick Hovey. Thelma graduated with honors from Ft. Dodge High School; attended St. Olaf College; graduated from Drake University with a degree in teaching, and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She taught school in Iowa from 1933-1938. She married Howard Knutson of Thor, IA in 1938. They had one daughter, Susan. The family moved to Clear Lake in 1949, where Thelma was very active at Zion Lutheran for 49 years, and especially enjoyed Visitation. She volunteered many years at Opportunity Village and Red Cross; belonged to PTA; Library Reading Club; Women’s Club; TTT Society; and Breakfast Club. Thelma shared many memorable trips with Howard, as well as special trips with her sisters. A highlight was a trip to Norway to trace her heritage. Thelma moved to Wayzata, MN in 1998 to be near her family, and in 2004, followed her daughter Susan and husband Jim to Scottsdale, AZ, where she and Howard spent their winters for many years. At 97 years of age, Thelma was still very active at her residence’s daily exercise class; book club; and Bible study.

Thelma loved, and was loved by, her family and friends. Her presence will be greatly missed by her daughter, Susan (Jim O’Radnik); her grandchildren Amy (Bob Pfefferle), Andy (Marne Berkvam), Kristi (Mike Stratton), Jill (Kevin Argall), and her great grandchildren, Otto, Ingrid, Anna, Tallie, Rachel, Cassie, Elizabeth, Grace, Lyla, and Charlie, along with many nieces and nephews.

The Celebration of Life will be at Zion Lutheran, 1:30 PM; Interment at Clear Lake Cemetery; and Refreshments & Memories will follow at Zion’s Fellowship Hall. Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake, IA

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