Wallace J. Knutson Obituary (1925 - 2015)

Wallace J. ”Wally” Knutson, age 89, of Menomonie, WI passed away Thursday, June 18, 2015 at The Neighbors of Dunn County. He was born Nov. 24, 1925 on the family farm, in the Township of Wilson, Dunn Co., WI to Henry and Anna (Lee) Knutson. He grew up in the Hay River area and graduated from Colfax High School in 1943. Wally served in the U.S. Army 351st infantry regiment, stationed in Italy and was honorably discharged in 1947. After his military service Wally returned to work on the family farm in Colfax, WI. He and two brothers developed a milk route and he also managed the Farmers Store in Sand Creek, WI. On July 29, 1950, Wally married Ardella Keener at Holden Lutheran Church in rural Colfax. They had three children, Allen, Cheryle and Mark. In 1957 they moved to Madison, WI where Wally accepted a position with the Wisconsin State Patrol. In 1964 they returned to Menomonie, where he was State Patrol for Dunn County, retiring in 1981. Wally was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Menomonie and a member of Menomonie Moose Lodge 1584. He was a former member of the Kiwanis Club. Wally enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, playing bingo an after retirement enjoyed traveling with his wife in their fifth wheel trailer throughout the United States. He was an avid Packer, Brewers and Badgers fan. But most importantly he enjoyed quality time with his family. He was a very proud grandpa, who loved watching his grandchildren grow up and loved attending their school activities and events. Wally is survived by his wife, Ardella; children, Allen of Madison, Cheryle (Gregg) Sorenson of Big Fork, MT, Mark of Menomonie; nine grandchildren, Chad, Josh, Melissa, Nicole, Andrea, Ryan, Dani, Jordon and Heather; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Arlene Lund of Eau Claire; brother, Curtis (Marion) Knutson of Colfax; sister-in-law, Patricia Knutson of Colfax; brother-in-law, Dick Keener of Pewaukee; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Anna; brothers, Morgan, Malcolm (Gilma), Alton, Julian and LeRoy; brothers-in-law, Donald and David Keener and Edward Lund. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, with Pastor Donald Wisner officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard. There will be visitation at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Burial will be in Holden Lutheran Cemetery in the Township of Grant, Dunn Co. WI.