Obit: Knutson, Barbara Ann (1924 - 2015)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Chapman, Dutcher, Knutson, Petry

----Source: The Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 3/31/2015

Knutson, Barbara Ann (Chapman) (7 NOV 1924 - 28 MAR 2015)

Barbara A. Knutson, 90, of Granton, WI died on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the Neillsville Care and Rehab Center in Neillsville, WI.

Barbara Ann Chapman was born on November 7, 1924 in Woolstock, Iowa the daughter of Fred and Emma (Petry) Chapman.

She graduated from Clarion High School in 1942. She worked for the Defense Plant in Des Moines, IA and enlisted into the United States Navy, joining the Waves in November of 1944 where she earned her pilots license. The waves were made up entirely of women. She flew for the Navy in the continental United States because they did not let women fly overseas in war during that time. She was honorably discharged in 1946.

She was united in marriage to Kenneth Knutson on November 1, 1948 in Des Moines, Iowa. They moved to a farm in Granton, WI and Barbara went to work for Citizens State Bank of Loyal in Granton where she worked for forty years.

Barbara was a member of St. Stephens Catholic Church in Chili until they closed and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Neillsville and their PCCW's. She was also a member of the Good Neighbor Homemaker's Club.

She is survived by her children; Michael (Annette) Knutson of Marshfield, WI, Terry (Connie) Knutson of River Falls, WI, Allen (Diane) Knutson of Merrillan, WI and Ann (Ronald) Dutcher of Waupaca, WI, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and siblings; Willis, Donald, Gerald, Vernon, Fred, Vera and Viola. Private family services will be held for Barbara.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. 

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Barbara's family with Funeral arrangements.