Don Knutson, age 82, of Barron, WI, passed away on July 19, 2025 at his home of 32 years surrounded by his family.

Don was born to Julius and Edith (Shipley) Knutson on August 22, 1942. He attended school at Blairemore, Plainview and Colfax. Don met the love of his life Judy Kahl at the end of her 5th grade year. They were married on September 30, 1961 at Ridgeland Lutheran Church. He farmed with his dad for a while before taking a job with Amour Foods in South St. Paul. His department closed so he then transferred to Amour in Eau Claire.

Don later went to work at Jennie O Foods in Barron until he retired in 2009. He enjoyed going to tractor pulls, watching the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packer games, helping with maple syrup, mowing the lawn, going to Farmers Markets and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Judy Knutson; a son, Brad (Melissa) Knutson; 2 daughters, Vicki (Dale) Buck and Kris Knutson (special family friend, Richard Nichols); 16 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Theresa Knutson; many nieces and nephews; a Godson, Jeff Huset; and a Goddaughter, Jodi Emmerich.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Edith Knutson; a great granddaughter, Amilynn Jarvinen-Pitts; a great grandson, Anthony Barrows; 6 brothers, Kenneth, Vernon, Francis, infant brother, Clifford; Clifford and Leonard; 5 sisters, Debra Smith, Marcella Hays, Irene Gowin, Joanne Dowd and Bonnie Huset; 7 brothers-in-law, Bob Smith, Chuck Hammer, Gar Lund, Clarence Hays, Joe Gowin, Bob Dowd and Leo Huset; 5 sisters-in-law, Phyllis Knutson, Arla Knutson, Gladys Knutson, Phyllis Knutson and Louise Knutson.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at the United Lutheran Church in Prairie Farm, WI, Rev. Sara Feld officiating, with interment in the Wayside Cemetery in Barron, WI at a later date. Visitation will be held from 4-7PM Tuesday, July 29 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI and for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

Last Update: Jul 22, 2025 7:09 am CDT