Lois Margaret (Olson) KNUTSON

OLSON, KNUTSON, TAVENER, CROMPTON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 6/22/2017 at 21:09:18

August 26, 1918 ---- November 15, 2014

Lois Margaret (Olson) Knutson, 96, of Owatonna died Saturday, November 15, 2015, at Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna, Minnesota. Lois was born August 26, 1918 in Decorah IA to Bernhard (Ben) W. and Edna L. (Tavener) Olson. She graduated from Stratford High School, Stratford IA, in 1935. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree and teaching certificate in English and Latin from St. Olaf College in 1939, and completed her Master’s of Arts Degree in English from the University of Iowa in 1940. Lois taught English and Latin in Belle Plaine and Waukon, Iowa, before being hired as the Head of the English Department at Owatonna High School in the fall of 1944. A year after meeting Odell Knutson at Trinity Lutheran Church, they were married on March 9, 1947. Lois taught both English and Latin at Owatonna High School, with two maternity breaks, from 1944-1981. Lois’ charismatic personality convinced her students (including her own three children) that learning is fun. Her dedication to her students went beyond teaching the subject material to inspiring them to always try their hardest with their homework and all challenges in life. We know Lois was loved by her students because hundreds have said as adults that Lois was their best teacher. She humbly accepted their praise and was deeply touched that she had such an impact on their lives. As recently as a few months ago, when passing the High School, she said that she missed being a teacher and all the joys that go with the profession.

After retiring from teaching and raising three children, Lois shared her time and talents throughout the community. She especially enjoyed volunteering at Trinity Lutheran Church in multiple capacities: developed programming for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School; worked with Ladies Aid, Circle, and Willing Workers; folded Sunday service bulletins and monthly church newsletters; served on the Intern Committee; and baked snacks weekly for the office staff. In 1994, she wrote the history for the 75th anniversary for the church. She also was the archivist for Trinity and she guided tours of the church for new members. Lois served five years on the Steele County Historical Society Board, and spent many happy hours volunteering at the Village of Yesteryear, including at the school house that Odell attended as a child. Also for the Historical Society, she wrote over 20 articles for the Owatonna People’s Press about the history of Owatonna and Steele County.

With her "teammate" Odell, they delivered Meals on Wheels, and were charter members of the Sons of Norway. As a retired teacher, she became active in the Owatonna Retired Teachers Association, including serving as President. That evolved into becoming Director of the Southeast Retired Educator Association of Minnesota (SEREAM) for three years and planning a convention in Owatonna. As one of the first cake bakers and for 20 years she supported the Young Life Cake Auction. Lois and Odell were avid sports and music fans attending their children’s and grandchildren's activities near and far. Lois’ volunteering and love for people she served didn’t go unnoticed. WCCO Radio recognized Lois in 1977 with their Good Neighbor Award. In 1989 Lois received a National Community Service Award from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). For Lois’ work for SEREAM, she received the Pioneer Educator’s Award. In 1992 Lois was recognized for her “Golden Deeds” by the Exchange Club of Owatonna. In 1997 Lois and Odell received the Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award. Then in 2002 Lois and Odell were selected for the Sertoma Service to Mankind Award. Also that year, Lois was honored as Steele County Senior Citizen of the Year Award.

Lois is survived by her sons Gaylord (and Beverly) Knutson of Rochester, Paul (and Deb) Knutson of Owatonna; daughter, Caroline (and Jim) Crompton of Wilmington, Del.; brothers-in-law, Walfred Knutson of Owatonna, Wayne Knutson of Owatonna; grandchildren, Laura Knutson of St Louis Park, Nathan (Rebecca) Knutson of Maple Grove, Erik (Chelsea) Knutson of Minnetonka, Benjamin (Rebecca) Knutson of Woodbury, 2Lt Peter Knutson of Oklahoma City OK, Dr. Nyssa Crompton of Morristown NJ, Rebecca Crompton of Wilmington DE; great-grandchildren, Madeline, Henry, and Samuel Knutson of Maple Grove, Max and Estella Knutson of Minnetonka, and Elise Knutson of Woodbury. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Odell Knutson, and her parents, Ben W. and Edna L. Olson.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Friday, November 21st, from 4 to 6 p.m. and at Trinity Lutheran Church on November 22nd from 1 to 2 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Owatonna. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church, Independent School District #761 Foundation or donor's choice.

Michaelson Funeral Home -- Owatonna, Minnesota
http://www.michaelsonfuneral.com/obit.html?id=4542

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[Her parents Ben W. and Edna L. (Tavener) Olson moved to Eagle Grove in 1935 after her high school graduation and lived there 25 years.]