BORN

1933

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison

5203 Monona Drive

Madison, Wisconsin

James Knutson Obituary

Knutson, James Lewis

MADISON – James Lewis Knutson died at Oak Park Rehab Center on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, where he was recovering from a hip fracture. He died of COVID.

James was the only child born to George Melvin Knutson and Elizabeth (Radtke) Knutson, in Manitowoc County, on Feb. 5, 1933. He grew up on a farm with a large extended family. He graduated valedictorian of Valders High School in 1950. He received his B.S. from Wisconsin State College-Milwaukee in music education and a master's of music from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in 1954 and 1955.

On Aug. 21, 1955, he married the love of his life, Ruth Marlynn Fischer, at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Helenville, with the bride's father officiating. It still holds the record for the hottest day.

Jim and Ruth taught music in Shawano. He later taught band at Middleton High School. Most of his teaching career was spent at Frank Allis and LaFollette, MMSD. There he was in charge of the marching band, pep bands, and judged State Solo and Ensembles. He also taught driver's education. Jim belonged to WMEC, MTI, Wisconsin Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu, and AFL CIO 166 Madison Musicians Union. He played the tuba in the Madison Symphony Orchestra for many years. He played tuba or bass in multiple groups.

Jim was active over the years at Holy Cross Lutheran Church as a choir director. He was an active member first at Lake Edge Lutheran and then at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church. He sang in the choir and/or accompanied on bass or tuba.

Ruth and Jim lived and raised their children in Monona, eventually moving to Cottage Grove. Later they relocated to Heritage Senior Living Campus.

Jim and Ruth loved to travel. They took the family on camping vacations around the U.S. each summer. Later they joined Friendship Force and hosted and traveled. They went on multiple ElderHostels, even taking their grandchildren along. They enjoyed multiple trips to Europe and their cruises along the Danube, Caribbean and Alaska. They also visited Hawaii, South Africa, Mongolia, Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, East Germany and USSR. In retirement, Jim also biked many miles in Wisconsin.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ruth; son, Stephen (Mary); two daughters, Deborah (Karl) Boushea and Elizabeth (Ken) Sorge; grandchildren, Claire (Kenn) Ogunsola, Sam (Molly) Knutson, Danielle Boushea, Carl (Leidy) Sorge, Gabe Knutson and Angela Boushea; and great-grandchildren, Noah, Jude, Zion and Sage Ogunsola and Darcy Knutson.

The world has lost a magnificent person who was dedicated to God, his family, making music and musical education. He was a very curious person who enjoyed people and learning.

A private family celebration will be held. Memorials may be made out to St. Stephen's Lutheran Church or To the Family of Jim Knutson, C/O Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716.

Thank you to the staff at Heritage and Oak Park for their kind care. Thank you to Gail Gaustad for her special care. Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Published by Madison.com on Nov. 22, 2020.
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Please accept my sincere condolences Claire for you and your family.

He sounds like a wonderful person who had a very beautiful life. Cherish those memories and continue on the adventures he started for you.
God bless

Tonie Stephens

November 28, 2020

I was in numerous bands at LaFollette under Mr Knutson´s guidance. He was great.

Merry Sigrist

November 26, 2020

I was very sorry to learn of your loss Ruth and Deb. It sounds like Jim led a very honorable and rewarding life. What a legacy he left. I´m wishing you and your family peace and healing. Keep his stories alive!

Kathy Coppens

November 23, 2020

Deepest sympathies to the entire Knutson family. Mr Knutson was a great teacher. I participated in all of the bands while at LaFollette from 1972-75.

Nelson Jones

November 23, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was one of Mr. Knutson's band students at both Frank Allis and LaFollette. I remember him fondly. I also remember the Christmas break from school when he was our temporary mailman. My condolences to your family. LaFollette class of 1966

Helen Thomas Williamson

November 23, 2020

So sorry to hear of Mr. Knutson's passing. He was a wonderful teacher at LaFollette. I have many fond memories of him in class as well as marching and pep-band. So sorry for your loss. LaFollette Class of 1991.

Regina Maass-Kane

November 23, 2020

One of the best teachers at Lafollette. Has always remained on my short list of the most significant people in my life. Condolences to his loved ones.

Ray Hamel

November 23, 2020

Mr. Knutson was an excellent band leader. Love marching band! LaFollette 1970

Tom Kelly

November 22, 2020

Ruth (Oetzel) Brill

November 22, 2020

Oh, my deepest condolences! Such a fine man! I played in the orchestra at LaFollette HS, but I bought his violin back in 1968 or so. I have often remembered him over the years because of that violin. Oh, I´m so very sorry to hear about his passing!

Ruth (Oetzel) Brill

November 22, 2020

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