Richard Knutson

A Memorial Service for Richard Knutson was held Friday, February 4, 2005, at 3:00 p.m. in Schutte's Clermont Funeral Chapel in Clermont, Iowa. David Lapka, Intern, officiated. The organist was Carol Jacogs, with special music by Dale Halverson. The Schutte Funeral and Cremation Service of Clermont was in charge of arrangements. Inurnment will be at a later date.
On February 1, 2005, Richard (Dick) Earl Knutson, husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher and friend, died peacefully with family at his side in Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital at Decorah, Iowa. Dick was born on February 28, 1934, to Earl and Marie (Stephens) Knutson in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
He attended school in Westby, Wisconsin, where he competed in football, basketball, and baseball. He played the lead role in "Our Town" and sang in vocal ensembles. Dick went on to attend Luther College, where he lettered four years in football and baseball. During his college years, Dick served his country for two years in the U. S. Army as a Sergeant, before completing his education in 1957 with a major in physics. He earned his Masters degree from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa in 1960.
In 1956 Dick was married to the love of his life, Margie Buisman, on June 17, in St. John Lutheran Church at Guttenberg, Iowa. They were married for 49 years. Dick and Marge have seven children, Becky Knutson (Jim Usgaard), Urbandale, IA; Beth Doshan, Brainard, MN; Barb Baker (Mike), Grinnell, IA; Brenda (Dennis) Schaller, Decorah, IA; Betsy (Doug) Jepsen, Urbandale, IA; Brooke (Rich) Carter, Denver, IA; and his son, Bill Knutson, Waterloo, IA. They have ten loving grandchildren, Chelsea and Craig Doshan, Alison (A. J.) and Trent Baker, Casey and Zac Schaller, Chris and Nick Jepsen, Jessica and Jaci Carter; and three sisters, Kay Knutson, LaValle, WI, Sonja Pedersen, Westby, WI, and Marianne Myhre, Coon Valley, WI.
Dick dedicated his life to education and sports, helping young adults succeed and compete in both areas. He taught in Manchester, Palatine, IL, North High School in West Union, Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, West Central of Maynard, and for several years in Postville. He retired in 1996 after over 40 years of teaching physics, chemistry, and math. During his many years, Dick also coached various sports at the Jr. High, High School and College levels. Dick may be best known for his involvement as an Iowa High School sports official for over 40 years. He was honored by the Iowa High School Athletic Association for his years of service, officiating football, baseball, basketball, softball, track, volleyball, cross country and swimming, which also included working at various State Tournament events.
Dick was involved in his community as a charter member of the West Union Jaycees. He was also a charter member of the West Union Area Officials Association. His hobbies included golfing, fishing, bowling, reading, collecting items, which included Beanie Babies, and gardening. We honor his memory, celebrate his life and pray his soul rests with God for eternity. We love you Dad!