Carolyn R. Knutson

We celebrate the life and mourn the sudden loss of our beloved Carolyn Ruth Knutson who left this world unexpectedly on March 29, 2025 at age 82. Carolyn graduated from Postville, IA High School in 1960. For several years she was the church organist at Postville Presbyterian Church where her father was the pastor. She attended Coe College including lessons in voice and french horn, graduating in 1964 with a degree in Music Education. Moving to Rockford, IL to teach music, she also played French Horn in the Rockford Symphony Orchestra where she met and then married the love of her life Don Knutson in Rockford, IL on April 2, 1974.

She then moved to Don’s farm near Janesville, WI. There they were blessed with four daughters. In 1988, they moved to Westfield, WI where she returned to teaching until her retirement in 2009. Also in Westfield, they owned and operated a real estate business for over 20 years. Carolyn and Don took many weekend camping trips to the state campground on Lake Tomahawk to fish, swim, and enjoy nature. She also loved spending time with her beloved family, playing the piano, reading books, and taking day trips through the hills and valleys near the Mississippi River.

Carolyn was a women of strong faith. She will be remembered for her quick wit and joyful, thankful attitude which she passed on to all who knew her.

Carolyn is survived by her husband of 51 years, Don Knutson; children, Amanda Knutson, Sarah (Jay) Yerges, twins, Andreana (Gene) Stockey and Leah (Troy) Heegard; grandchildren, Jaden Yerges, Nicole Buck, John Stockey, Gabriella Heegard; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Marilyn Axford.

A private celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be at Westfield East Cemetery.

Please take a moment to view the online Tribute Wall. Send your condolences or share a memory of Carolyn with her family & friends.