Kenneth A. Knutson

Kenneth A. Knutson, age 77, of Ridgeway, Iowa, died Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah,IA following a car accident in Ridgeway, IA. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 27, 2005 at Madison Lutheran Church in rural Ridgeway, by Rev. Phillip and Rev. Ginny Olson, with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 P.M. Thursday, May 26, 2005 at Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah and an hour prior to the services on Friday at the church. Kenneth Alonzo Knutson was born September 28, 1927 at home in Madison Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa the son of Orville and Beathe (Hovden) Knutson. He was baptized on October 23, 1927 and confirmed on May 10, 1942 at Madison Lutheran Church, rural Ridgeway. Ken attended Decorah Schools. He was united in marriage with Delores Betts on January 26, 1947 at Orleans Lutheran Church, rural Ridgeway. To this union, four children were born: Dennis, Marcia, Gary Dean and Lester. Delores died on June 29, 1958. Ken was then united in marriage with Beverly Mrkvicka on September 29, 1962 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. To this union, two children were born: Sheri and Tim. Kenneth farmed on the home farm in Madison Township his entire life. He also drove a semi-truck hauling livestock. He retired and the couple moved into Ridgeway in 1995. He was a member of Madison Lutheran Church, where he had served on the church council. He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed attending all of their sporting events. He liked horses and enjoyed going to the Sale Barn in Decorah. Survivors include his wife, Beverly of Ridgeway; three sons, Dennis (Kim) Knutson of Ridgeway, Lester (Reyne) Knutson of Chatfield, MN., Tim (Tammy) Knutson of Ridgeway; one daughter, Sheri (Jim) Akre of Winona, MN; one step daughter, Judy Fleshner of Decorah; twenty-one grandchildren, Gary (Kim) Holstad, David (Doreen) Holstad, Jason Fleshner, Marty (Juli) Knutson, Justin Knutson, Michael Knutson, Knute (Nicole) Knutson, Eric Knutson, Travis Akre, Trent Akre, Jeff Beltz, Danny Beltz, Justin Casterton, Megan Akre, Kia Knutson, Michelle Knutson, Heather (Cory) Syverson, Jenny Fleshner, Michelle (Bret) Gilgour, Deanne Sund and Kelly Casterton; twenty-two great grandchildren; and two brothers, Clair (Helen) Knutson of Ridgeway, and Marlyn (Karen) Knutson of Decorah. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Delores; one daughter, Marcia Kay Knutson on June 27, 1969; one son, Gary Dean Knutson on April 13, 1952; and one step son, Larry Beltz in 1985.