Gene Knutson

Gene C. Knutson, age 70, of Clam Falls, passed away of pneumonia on Sunday, July 26, 2015, at St. Croix Regional Medical Center after a valiant fight with cancer. He was surrounded by his family and friends. Gene was born June 19, 1945, at Siren Hospital, a son of the late Elmer and Alice (Smith) Knutson. He was raised on the family farm in Clam Falls Township, attending Rocky Ridge School, Round Lake School, Lewis School and Frederic Grade School, and was a 1963 graduate of Frederic High School. In 1964, Gene attended District One Technical Institute in Eau Claire receiving training in auto mechanics. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1965 and was honorably discharged in 1969. During his enlistment Gene worked as a C130 mechanic, and served in Germany & Greece. After working in the Twin Cities for two years, he returned to Frederic and worked at the plastics plant in Frederic. Gene married Betty L. Lang on September 18, 1971, at the Luck Lutheran Church. Shortly after, they moved to Tulsa, OK, to attend Spartan School of Aeronautics. Returning to Minneapolis in 1973, Gene was employed at ConAm Inspection, a non-destructive testing company. In 1981, Gene and Betty purchased the family farm and then the property next door to the farm in Clam Falls. He operated the dairy farm until June 2014 when cancer forced him to retire. Gene loved his cows. He greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing, and spending time with family. He also liked attending auctions (where he did more visiting than buying), playing cards, and maintaining his old tractors. He was an avid Packer fan and seldom missed watching a game. Gene is survived by his loving wife, Betty; sisters: Idella (Kenneth ”Red”) Cunningham of Darien WI, Elaine (Jim) Gorter of Chehalis, WA, Shirley (Ed) Brehmer of East Troy WI, and Linda (Alan) Marr of Alba TX; a very special nephew, Michael (Karen) Knutson of Excelsior Springs MO; his aunt, Shirley Smith of Pleasanton CA; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Ed (Judy) Lang of Eau Claire, Joyce (Alvin) Greener of Clam Falls, Rose Houtari of Clam Falls, Gerald ”Toad” (Tara) Rose of Frederic, and Ronald (Linda) Rose of Centuria; many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Elmer Knutson; brothers: Walter Knutson and Roger Knutson; a half-brother, Jim Hilderman; brother-in-law, Duane Lang; and sister-in-law, Sharon Lang. The memorial service honoring the life of Gene Knutson will be conducted at 1:00 pm (visitation 11:00 am to 1:00 pm) on Friday, July 31, 2015, at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, WI, with Pastor Arveda "Freddie" Kirk officiating. A fellowship luncheon will follow. Honorary Pallbearers are: Orval Johnson, William Schmidt, Warren Schmidt, Tim Abrahamzon, Gary Feldt, and Alvin Greener. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Webster, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.