Chesterton Tribune

 

 

Services Friday for Richard Knutson, 83

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Richard Knutson, age 83, of Valparaiso, IN, passed away July 15, 2017, following a courageous battle with a lengthy illness.

Richard was born in Chicago, IL, on January 3, 1934, to the late Virgil and Ruth (O’Keefe) Knutson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Shirley (Foley) Knutson of Chesterton; son, Tim (Donna) Knutson of Colorado Springs, CO; daughters, Lori Kubiak of Valparaiso, IN, and Tammy (Dale) Banghart of Chesterton, IN; brother, Dave (Ena) Knutson of California; sister, Cheryl Weatherholt-Mattix of Maryland; grandchildren, Eric (Krystal), Mandy (Chris), Cassie, Kyler, Matt (Lisa), Heather and Daniel; great-grandchildren, Graham, Vivian and Cora. Richard is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Mike Kubiak.

Richard retired as Principal of South Haven Elementary School. His long journey with education and pursuit of knowledge began when he graduated from Liberty High School in 1952; he went on to obtain his undergraduate at Valparaiso University in 1956; a Master’s in Education from Indiana University in 1962 and finally his Administrators License from Purdue University. He loved education, especially history. He was a lifelong educator, serving at several county schools throughout his career. Early in his career he also proudly worked on major construction in the Chicagoland area as a Journeyman Iron Worker. Richard was an avid outdoorsman, camper and traveler. He was a lifelong birder enthusiast and was an active supporter of the Westchester Bird Sanctuary.

Richard was a founding member of Faith Memorial Lutheran Church. He was a board member for the Boys & Girls Club of Porter County and Porter County Parks Foundation; a member of the Hobart Elks Club; Ballroom Dancing Group; Birding Association and the Audubon Society. He was always very involved in the community and stayed busy sharing his talents with others.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 21, 2017, at 11:00 am at Faith Memorial Church, 753 N. Calumet Rd., Valparaiso, IN. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 20, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton, IN.

Memorial donations may be made to Porter County Conservation Trust, Inc., P.O. Box 797, Chesterton, IN 46304 or www.gofundme.com/westchesterbird-org.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.ee-fh.com

 

 

Posted 7/18/2017

 
 
 
 

 

 

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