Burton James Knutson

Burton J. Knutson, 80, of Chetek, passed away on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at the Lakeview Hospital in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Burton was born on December 24, 1931. As a young boy, Burt attended the Washington Country School for eight years and then the Chetek High School where he graduated in 1950. Burt also attended Dovre Lutheran Church where he was confirmed in 1946.

In 1958 Burt married Muriel Anderson. They raised their three children on Burt’s family farm near Sand Creek , WI . Burt and Muriel agreed that a farm was the best place to raise a family. After Muriel’s passing early in 1992, Burt courted Sonja Bowers and eventually married in May of 1994. Through this reunion Burt was welcomed and enjoyed by Sonja’s family.

Burt’s father passed away when Burt was ten years old therefore he was the one to take over the farm. His family always enjoyed his many stories of life on the farm as a little boy. Farming was in Burt’s blood-he loved every aspect of it! He made note that planting and watching crops grow was a great feeling. He took great pride in sharing how he learned to drive tractor at the age of twelve, which may have been the start of his huge interest and hobby with tractors. Burt checked out the weekly newspapers searching for auctions-traveling any distance for a “good” old tractor. Burt’s shop, located on his son Jim’s farm was a favorite place to be! He worked diligently on restoring the antique tractors until they were running ‘like a top’. He never minded sharing a tractor story over a cup of coffee or a diet Coke. Burt was a member of the Hungry Hollow Tractor and Antique Organization, of Rice Lake , where he met and worked with members with the same interest.

When not working on a tractor or at one of the local cafes, Burt could be found at one of his grandchildren’s events. Whether it was a dance or piano recital, softball, baseball, basketball or volleyball game or a church or school music program, Burt was always smiling and admiring the children. Family was always important to Burt.

Burt loved a good game of cards. He and Sonja spent many nights with friends around a table playing 500, Dirty Clubs, cribbage or a new game. Burt wasn’t afraid to make a big bid on an average hand.

Over the years Burt was very active in his community holding various roles; 4-H Leader, Sioux Creek Supervisior, Citizen Telephone Board, F.H.A. board member, ASCS committee member, Equity Co-op director, Lone Oak Director and on the church council.

At the end of his day, Burt would be in his favorite chair reading the local newspaper, watching a Brewer or Packer game with a big bowl of popcorn. Burton appreciated every one of his days and he will be greatly missed.

Burton leaves to celebrate his memory: his wife, Sonja Knutson, Chetek; sons, James Knutson, New Auburn; Jerry Knutson (Cathy Runkle), Chetek; daughter, Lori Ann (Jeff) Pfaff, Luck, WI; grandchildren, Katelyn & Morgan Pfaff, step sons, Rick (Kathy) Bowers, Chetek; Rod (Shari) Bowers, Chetek; step daughters, Denise (Karl) Murch, Eau Claire, WI; Deslyn (Steven) Dahlquist, Rhinelander, WI; 10 step grandchildren, Kelli, Erik, Kerri, Brad, Bryan, Blake, Joshua, Kirsten, Brandyn, Jayson, 3 step great grandchildren, Madeline, Masen, Rylan and other loving family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Muriel (Anderson) in 1992, sisters, Eilene Dahl and Doris Zollver and brother Dale in infancy.

The Funeral Service for Burton will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at the Chetek Lutheran Church with Pastor Guy Redfield officiating. The family will be greeting visitors on Friday, April 13 from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at the Burnham Ours Funeral Home in Chetek and then again on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at 11:00 A.M.

Burton will be laid to rest at the Zion Cemetery in Sand Creek Township. Casket Bearers will be Tye Ludwigson, Alex Aubart, Brad, Bryan, Blake and Joshua Bowers, Erik Murch, Brandyn and Jayson Dahlquist.

The Burnham Ours Funeral Home of Chetek has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.