November 1, 1937 – November 28, 2025
Elwood “Woody” M. Knutson, 88, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Complete Care at Grande Prairie.
He was born on November 1, 1937, in Blair, Wisconsin, to the late Ernie and Edna (Christianson) Knutson. He was educated in the Blair School System. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La LaCrosse in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
Woody married Roseann Olson on August 12, 1961, in Blair, Wisconsin. He started his teaching career in elementary physical education with the Kenosha Unified School District, where he taught for 33 years until his retirement. He was awarded Teacher of the Year in 1985. He was involved in coaching basketball, track, Little League and CYC baseball teams over the years.
After retirement, Woody devoted his life to volunteering. He drove for the Meals on Wheels program, was involved in the Friendly Visitor program through the ADRC and tutored in the Kenosha Unified School District. He worked at the Friendship Camp for the intellectually disabled during several summers. He professionally painted many homes over the years before and after retirement, including Trinity Lutheran Church.
Woody was very devoted to Trinity Lutheran Church. He served on the church council, served as Sunday School superintendent for many years, Youth Group director, and was an usher for around 43 years.
Woody loved many sports activities and was an avid Badgers, Brewers, and Packers fan. He tried out for the Milwaukee Braves (Brewers) MLB team. He bowled on two separate bowling leagues on a weekly basis. He played on the Trinity Lutheran Church softball league and helped to coach the team. He golfed in his spare time for over 50 years. He also participated in bocce ball and horseshoe leagues.
Woody is survived by his wife of 64 years Roseann, his children Rhonda (Patrick) Brennan, Dean (Karen) Knutson and Lori (David) Moll; his grandchildren Adam “Naomi” Brennan, Brittany (Rick Jensen) Brennan, Kaylin Brennan, Hannah (Drew) Knutson-Waterstreet, Morgan (Drew) Connolly, Courtney Moll and Ben Moll; his great grandchildren Isabelle Brennan and Adaline Brennan; and his sisters Mary (Tom) Lee and Helen (Dennis) Dale.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernie and Edna Knutson and many other relatives.
Funeral Services for Woody will be held on Thursday, December 11th at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) at Trinity Lutheran Church (7104 – 39th Ave.). Visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Interment will be private.
