Obituary
James Edward Knutson
James Edward Knutson, 97, of La Crosse, WI, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024 at Riverside Transitional Care Facility in La Crosse, WI. He was born February 8, 1927 to Irvin and Minnie (Neprud) Knutson. He married Ruth Lee on October 16, 1954 in Madison, WI.
James is survived by his daughters, Rebecca Knutson and Betsy (Patrick) Rian; granddaughters, Julia, Jessica, Joanna and Natalee; and great-grandson, Kaden.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; parents, 2 brothers, 1 sister and grandson, Joshua Johnson.
A private family service will be held at a later date. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
Dear Becky and Betsy,
Our deepest sympathies to you both and your family. I worked with your Dad at the bank in Coon Valley and he was the sweetest guy to work with. It was nice seeing you and Jim at Ardies having breakfast once in awhile also. May he rest in peace. 🙏
I met Jim first when he would visit his friend Clarice at a local nursing home. He was always so friendly and kind. We got reaquainted when I saw him walking in our French Island neighborhood. I was so pleased to see him again. His eyes would light up when he smiled. He defines the word gentleman and made the world and now heaven a better place.
Dear Family, our deepest sympathy on your loss. Jim was the nicest man. Loved going to the bank and seeing his smiling face. He used to run past our house every day. God bless you all.
Dear Becky and Betsy,
Dave and I loved your family. We always had such great times when we would stop and stay with you on our way to Minnesota from Chicago. (Madison and Coon Valley) They were always uncle Jim and aunt Ruth to us. Your mom and I would share many recipes. Kari was the best dressed little girl in Chicago because your mom always sent home with us a lot of your “hand me downs”. You both had the cutest clothes. Kristofer’s son still has the smiley face pillow that your mom gave Kris.Wonderful wonderful memories of your folks.
God’s peace to all of you as you go through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marilyn
Uncle Jim was loved by all his nieces and nephews. We tried to stop for a visit every year when we made our occasional pilgrimages to the Coulee Region. I have fond memories of those visits but also when I was a youngster and he’d give us rides in his convertible or take me to see a Tarzan movie in LaCrosse. We will keep him in our hearts and memories. May he now Rest in Peace and rejoin his beloved Ruth. God bless his memory.
Jim & Ruth were absolutely two of the kindest people God ever placed on this earth! Jim and I grew particularly close when he served as congregational president at CVLC while I was pastor there. He was a dear and true friend to me and to many. May God be with you at this time.