Knutson

Marilyn Louise Knutson, 94, died on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. She was born in Ellsworth, Iowa, on Aug. 2, 1927, to Harold and Melva Sogard. She married Kenneth Knutson, the love of her life, on Nov. 20, 1946, in the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They were married for 74 years before he preceded her in death.

Marilyn was the eldest daughter of 12 children. Her younger siblings remember her fondly as their "other mother," a role that many of her children's friends also attributed to her. During World War II Marilyn served as a Cadet Nurse. As an RN she dedicated herself to various positions in hospitals in Indiana and Illinois. She completed her career as a surgical nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. Characteristically, she also nursed friends, family and their assorted pets. After retirement Marilyn volunteered in the hospital gift shop and continued volunteering as a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Special memories were made on the dance floor with husband, Ken, with her family and friends on her patio, at Lake Lou Yaeger, and at the Litchfield Country Club. She loved attending sporting events and school and church functions first supporting her children, then her eight grandchildren, and finally her six great-grandchildren. Her love and caring also extended to her many pets and her garden.

Marilyn is survived by sons, Richard (Susan) Knutson and Ken Knutson; daughters, Susan (Larry) Palsenberger and Marcia (Scott) Holten; and daughter-in-law Maggie Knutson. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Ken; and son, Ron.

A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. A memorial service follows at the church at 11 a.m.

Memorials may be made to the St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary, Litchfield, or to the family. Marilyn would appreciate that all who can, please donate blood. Condolences may be left online at http://www.kravanyfuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.