Prairie du Chien – Gilbert E. “Gene” Knutson, age 90, of Prairie du Chien, died unexpectedly at home on Thursday morning, August 20, 2015. Gilbert was born on July 12, 1925 in Clifton Township, Grant Co., WI the son of Gilbert W. and Anita (Gundlach) Knutson. He married Lexa Mae Hodgson on Sept. 29, 1944 and later Dana on May 4, 2004.
Following graduation from Livingston High School, Gene was drafted into the US Army and served his country from 1944-1945. Upon returning home, he farmed in the Livingston and Cobb areas before purchasing a farm in rural Livingston. Gene retired from farming and moved to Fennimore in the mid 1980’s. After the death of his first wife Lexa in 1991, Gene moved to Prairie du Chien. Gene enjoyed playing golf and worked as a square dance caller for over 40 years.
Gene is survived by his wife Dana Knutson of Prairie du Chien, two children; Linda Matranga of Aliso Viejo, CA and Rod (Jean) Knutson of Madison, son-in-law Doug Myers of Muscoda, nine grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and five great-great- grandchildren. Gene is also survived by a brother Roger (Christie) Knutson of Livingston, sister Madge Genthe of Watertown, brother-in-law Kenny Wells of Livingston, and sister-in-law Jane Knutson of Platteville.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Lexa, infant son David, daughter Donna Myers, son-in-law Dan Matranga, brothers Cecil and Bryan “Nip” Knutson, sisters Beverly Wells and Charlotte English, brother-in-laws Frank Genthe and Almond “Ike” English, and sister-in-law Mary Lou Knutson.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday August 25, 2015 at the Livingston United Methodist Church. Burial with military honors will follow in the Rock Church Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Monday evening August 24, 2015 at the Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday morning. In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials may be given to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Wauzeka at 607 E. Main St. Wauzeka, WI 53826.