Obit: Knutson, Keith A. (1951 – 2010)

Contact: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Knutson, Letson, Borgwardt, Hostetler, Schoengarth, Turner, Laabs, McRae, Johnson, Grennell

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) March 3, 2010

Knutson, Keith A. (15 October 1951 – 28 February 2010)

Keith A. Knutson, 58, of Hixton died Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, in Black River Falls under the care of the Black River Hospice.

Keith was born Oct. 15, 1951, in Milwaukee to the late Roy and Ila (Letson) Knutson.  He spent the first 11 years of his life in Greenfield and attended Glenwood School.  His family moved to Hixton in November of 1962.  Keith attended classes at Squaw Creek School until the age of 21.  He then attended the Training and Employment Center, which later became Handishop.  His next step was The Depot, now known as The Connection.

Over the years, Keith worked for Hoffman Construction Company, Partridge Run Apartments, Paradigm and Sampson Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.  He attended Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hixton, where he was confirmed March 22, 1970.

After the death of his parents, Keith continued to make his home in Hixton for many years.  He enjoyed his ability to live independently with the help of devoted and caring people.

Keith is survived by his sister, Dolores Borgwardt; two nieces, Diane and Dawn; four nephews, Gary (Kay) Borgwardt, Greg Borgwardt, Duane (Donna) Borgwardt and Dean Borgwardt; six great nieces and two great-nephews; three great-great-nephews and one great-great-niece; besides many other relatives and friends.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers, his grandparents and other relatives.

Funeral services for Keith A. Knutson will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 6, 2010, at the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home, Hixton, with Rebecca Hostetler, M.Div. officiating.  Burial will take place in Trinity Rest Cemetery, Hixton.  Friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to services Saturday.

Casketbearers will be his four nephews: Greg, Gary, Duane and Dean Borgwardt.

Memorials are preferred to the Hixton Volunteer Fire Department, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Hixton, or to a charity of the donor’s choice in Keith’s memory.

The family of Keith Knutson would like to extend a special thank you to the people of Hixton, who befriended Keith and made his life so enjoyable.  A special thank you to all his helpers, job coaches and especially Ruby Schoengarth, Joyce Turner, Nancy Laabs, Joan McRae, Shirley Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Grennell for their time, work and patience that made Keith’s life so comfortable and fulfilling.  A special thank you to family and friends for all the love, support and understanding they gave to Keith over the years, he will be deeply missed and always loved.  Keith’s family would also like to thank Dr. Kellen and the staffs of CCLS, A Place for You and Black River Hospice for the loving care they gave Keith.

We were blessed with a special child

The day God brought you into our family.

You taught us the true meaning of

Patience, love and understanding;

Now that God has decided your earthly work is done,

May you enjoy the happy and joyous reunion with your family above.