Lori Donelle Knutson, 60, of Viroqua passed away unexpectedly on December 24, 2020.

Lori was born on November 2, 1960 to Donald and Doris (Ingvalson) Pothast in Waukon, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon, IA. She married Ron Tallman in August of 1980 in La Crosse, WI. She later divorced and married Jeff Knutson in Onalaska, WI, they later divorced.

Lori’s happiness was found by serving all of the people that were in her life. She had a unique and special bond with each and every person she knew, and all she wanted was to spread joy into everyone’s life. Lori was a delightful, sweet woman that taught life lessons and spoke wisdom in every word. She made so many sacrifices just to make sure she would leave a legacy behind for her children to grow into. She had the sweetest heart and saw the world from a selfless perspective. Her intimate relationship with God guided her through her life. Her thoughtfulness, love, and care for her family helped them through thick and thin. She always knew the right thing to say, and always knew the right decision. She was patient, and saw things from everybody else’s perspective. She was a strong mother. She was never angry, and she would try to deeply understand every person she loved.

Lori blessed every person that was a part of her life. She truly listened to you, and she put an incredible amount of unconditional love and effort into every conversation or interaction.

She gave meaning to her children’s lives and she left this world happy in her little cabin in the woods. She will forever remain in everyone’s heart, and be remembered as an angel.

Lori is survived by her lifelong friend, Ron Tallman; her six children; Joshua (Misty) Hatfield-Tallman of Viroqua, Heather Medd of La Crosse, Josiah (Linda) Tallman of Fountain City, Amanda Tallman of La Crosse, Seth Tallman of La Crosse, and David Knutson of Viroqua; sisters, Lynn (Roger) Ellefson and Pam (Larry) Dundee; seven grandchildren, Mckenzie, Savannah, Isabella, Angel, Mikia, Savannah, and Marley, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Doris (Ingvalson) Pothast; and one sister, Doreen (Kittelson) Nolting.

Please mail memorials to Heather Medd at 1606 Caroline Street, La Crosse, WI 54603.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2021 from 11am to 1pm at The Gathering Place. Due to Covid-19, the family asks that everyone social distance and wear a mask if you plan on attending. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.