Arnold Knutson, 81

Arnold "Arnie" Cornell Knutson was set free from this world on Wednesday night, Nov. 7, where he was reunited with his wife, Iola. He was 81 years old.

Arnie was born in 1931 to Adolph and Alma (Olson) Knutson. He was born the youngest of five boys. He grew up on the family farm in Martell, Wis., where he farmed all of his life. He attended Cloverdale School and graduated in 1949 from Ellsworth High School. During his high school years, he enjoyed playing football and basketball and, as he would tell his children in later years, "about two rounds of boxing."

On July 29, 1961, he married Iola Anderson at Gilman Lutheran Church. Together they raised six children: Valerie, Annette, Anna, Tom, Ione, and Jim. While he worked hard all of his life on the farm, he also had time to enjoy hunting and fishing.

Despite being paralyzed at the age of 73, Arnold continued an active life of selling grain equipment and helping to run the family farm. He also served as an inspirational role model for all with his unwavering faith and commitment to family. Arnie was an active member of Rush River Lutheran Church all of his life.

He is survived by children Val (Steve) Johnson of Ellsworth, Annette (Brian) Kelley of Prescott, Anna (Patrick) Hoey of Fond Du Lac, Tom (Amy) Knutson of Beldenville, Ione (Luke) Hayes of Beldenville, Jim (Paula) Knutson of Beldenville, and Shari Owen of Chippewa Falls; grandchildren, Derek, Karl, Tiffany, Stephanie, Tylar, Trevin, Zeb, Rachael, Ethan, Cole, Kyra, Eryka, Jasper, and Jennie; brothers Kenneth (Lorice) and Glenn (Doris) Knutson; brother-in-law Millard (Darlene) Anderson; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Arnie was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Iola; his infant daughter Faith; his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law Burton (Grace) and Vernon (Helen) Knutson; and his brother-in-law Courtney Anderson.

A service of remembrance was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, at Rush River Lutheran Church, with Rev. Kari Burke-Romarheim officiating. Organist Linda Anderson and vocalists Larry and Julie Knutson provided special music. Interment was in the church cemetery with several of Arnie's grandchildren serving as pallbearers.

Keehr Funeral Home in Spring Valley handled the arrangements.

Arnie will be greatly missed by his family and all that knew him. He will always be remembered as a man who lived his life to the fullest and for his great faith that enabled him to overcome any challenges that he faced.

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