Rose Knutson, Albert Lea

1911 - 2008

Rose Knutson, 96, Albert Lea

The funeral service for Rose Helen Knutson of Albert Lea will be 11 a.m. Thursday at East Freeborn Lutheran Church. The Rev. Dick Spande will officiate. Interment will be in the Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea and one hour before the service at the church.
Rose died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, at St. John’s Lutheran Home. She was 96 years old.
Rose Helen (Peterson) Knutson was born in Bancroft Township, Freeborn County, on Sept. 20, 1911, to Sophus and Mary (Christenson) Peterson. She attended school in rural Albert Lea.
On Sept. 29, 1929, she was united in marriage to Keno C. Knutson, Sr. at the First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea by the Rev. J.C.K. Preus. Rose and Keno lived in Albert Lea a few years, before moving in 1933 to Lerdal where they operated and managed the Lerdal Telephone Company in their home. Rose was the chief operator and eventually taught their children the family business. After living in Lerdal for 60 years, Rose and Keno moved back to Albert Lea in 1992. After Keno’s death, Rose resided at St. John’s Lutheran Home for nine years.
Rose was an active member of East Freeborn Lutheran Church since her transfer in 1933. She served in many capacities participating in the Ladies Aid as president and treasure, Circle president, a Sunday School teacher, a Charter Member of the Altar-Guild, and as Directess. She was an active volunteer at St. John’s Lutheran Home for many years serving as Auxiliary president, co-chairperson of the rag drive and chairperson of several other committees. Rose and Keno ware active lifetime members and volunteers of the Freeborn County Historical Society.
Rose loved to entertain and spend time with her family and friends. From the many birthday parties, family picnics, Sunday dinners after church, traditional family holidays, and wedding receptions to the afternoon coffee with the neighbors and church ladies, a special welcome was always there. Known for her witty sense of story telling, love for life and music.
Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Keno Sr., her parents, son Keith Ronald, daughter Mary Carol McGovern, granddaughter Susan Robbins, brothers Clifford and Herbert, and sisters Maybelle Johnson, Alvina Nelson, and Lilly Ann (Cummins) Henderson.
Rose is survived by her son Keno Jr. (Donna) Knutson; brother Fred Peterson; son-in-law Paul McGovern; grandchildren: Terry Robbins, Jeff Robbins, Kent (Wendi) Robbins, Dawn (Andy) Rozinka, Rosemary (Joe) Brady and Kevin (Jolene Louwagie) Knutson; 12 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; and 28 nieces and nephews.