Margaret Aline Knutson, 94, passed away peacefully at Liberty Village in Tomah, WI on May 21st, 2014. Born on February 21st, 1920, Margaret was the third of seven children born to Rena and Peter Fortney at their farm just outside of Viroqua, WI. Margaret had an identical twin sister, Marjorie, that surprised the family shortly after she was born. When young, Margaret would make the long foot trek from the Fortney farm to Liberty Pole School and later graduated from Viroqua High School. After High School, Margaret attended the Vernon County Normal School where she earned her teaching certificate. Margaret went on to teach at Longfellow in La Crosse. Margaret met the love of her life, Lincoln Knutson, when they were set up on a blind date by his aunt. They later married on December 29, 1943 while Lincoln was home on a furlough from the military. Their early years were spent in Coon Valley, WI and later moved to Westby, WI when Lincoln transferred to a new branch of the Westby-Coon Valley State Bank. In Westby they raised 3 children, Edwin, Lory and Kala. Margaret was active in the community and always willing to offer a helping hand. Margaret held various positions at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, including Sunday School Teacher and Junior Choir Director. An excellent cook of many traditional Norwegian dishes, Margaret hosted many memorable birthday and holiday parties. No one, family, friends or strangers, went hungry or without love when Margaret was around. Margaret, always patient and wanting to teach young people, was an integral player in making the Knutson Memorial Library in Coon Valley a reality. This was a project that she was very proud of. Margaret is survived by her children; Edwin (Vickie) Knutson, Lory (Fred) Denson and Kala (Jerry) Thompson, her grandchildren Kyle (Jolene) Knutson, Nicholas (Lenka) Knutson, Brett (Stephanie) Knutson, Kiah Denson and Lincoln Thompson. Margaret was blessed with 5 great grandchildren that lit up her life over the past 7 years. Keegan, Bodie, Simona, Kiera Grace, and Odin Knutson. Margaret is also survived by her twin sister Marjorie Peterson, younger sisters Rebecca Anderson and Greta Beck; brother-in-law, James E. (Ruth) Knutson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lincoln and siblings Grace Dummert, Luther and Atley Fortney.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 3:00 pm at The Coon Valley Lutheran Church in Coon Valley. Dr. Mitzi Miyamoto will officiate. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials can be made to the Knutson Memorial Library in Coon Valley or to the Salvation Army. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.