BOONE, Iowa—On Tuesday, September 27, 2022, Russell Leo Knutson passed away at the age of 94.
Russell was born on August 24, 1928, to Mary and Wilmer Knutson of Soldier, Iowa. He grew up on a western Iowa farm and became a Sergeant in the Army Air Corps during WWII, earning a purple heart. After the war, he married Donna Hummel of Cushing, Iowa, on September 9, 1951, attended Iowa State University, obtaining a degree in engineering, and began working for the Department of Agriculture. After living in Des Moines, and retiring after 30 years, he moved to the country north of Boone, Iowa, where he built a home, worked a small farm, and broke and trained mustangs, horses, and a mule.
Always involved with the local community, he participated in Boy Scouts, Lions Club, at the Augustana Lutheran church, horse and mule riding with family and friends, square dancing, traveling, camping and hiking. Russ was an active man up to his passing; from tinkering with farm equipment to breaking wild horses to genealogy, carving, and hunting hobbies, and hosting family get-togethers. Always with a smile, helpful advice, and a gin and tonic.
Russ was preceded in death by his mother and father, his wife of 69 years, Donna, and a granddaughter Caroline.
He is survived by three children and their spouses, Richard and Lori (Iowa), Steven and Lorrie (Iowa), Gary and Peggy (Florida), and a sister, Barbara and Lyle (Iowa), three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Augustana Lutheran Church in Boone, with Pastor Dan Solomon officiating. Burial will be at Mineral Ridge Cemetery following the memorial service. Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7, 2022, at Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home in Boone.
Online condolences can be left at www.schroederfuneral.com
Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th Street, Boone is assisting the family with these arrangements.
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