Roseann Marie (Olson) Knutson, 88, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on Friday, March 20, 2026, at The Legacy at St. Joseph’s in Kenosha.
Roseann was born on March 12, 1938, in Blair, Wisconsin, to the late Agnus and Alice (Bue) Olson. She was educated in the Blair school system. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She then taught for two years in Galesville, Wisconsin, before moving to Kenosha.
Roseann married Elwood “Woody” Knutson on August 12, 1961, in Blair, Wisconsin. She taught full-time at Bain school for two years in Kenosha. She put her teaching career on hold to stay home when their first daughter, Rhonda, was born in 1963. She had two more children, Dean and Lori, who were born in 1965 and 1968. Once her children were in school, she continued to be a substitute teacher at the elementary schools in the Kenosha Unified School District. She had many long-term substitute assignments until her retirement.
Roseann was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Kenosha. She taught Sunday School for many years. She was the committee chair for the women’s circles. She participated in many bible studies and was a funeral server. She loved God and made sure her family knew about the importance of being a devoted believer in God and the importance of prayer in your life.
Roseann was very devoted to her husband, children, and grandchildren. She worked hard preparing meals, cleaning, and taking care of her family. She babysat five of her seven grandchildren over the years. She attended many sporting and music school events for her children and grandchildren. She spent many nights at the bowling alley cheering on Woody and attended many softball and baseball games watching her son and Woody. She was also an avid reader of books and loved reading Agatha Christie books.
Roseann was a servant of God who loved volunteering and helping people. She helped in many places, including the friendly visitor program through the Aging Disability Resource Center. She helped Woody deliver Meals on Wheels. She, along with Woody, helped tutor students at Grewenow Elementary for several years. They also helped students with reading at Frank Elementary. Her favorite activities included reading, painting, art projects, and book group discussions. She was a Cub Scout leader for Dean for several years. She enjoyed camping with family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling, which included vacations to many places, including Florida, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Glacier National Park, Alaska, and the New England States.
Roseann is survived by her children Rhonda (Patrick) Brennan, Dean (Karen) Knutson, and Lori (David) Moll; her grandchildren Adam “Naomi” Brennan, Brittany (Rick Jensen) Brennan, Kaylin Brennan, Hannah (Drew) Knutson-Waterstreet, Morgan (Drew) Connolly, Courtney Moll, and Ben Moll; her great grandchildren Isabelle Brennan and Adaline Brennan; and her sisters Carol Toraason and Anita Goplin.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Elwood Knutson; her parents, Agnus and Alice Olson; her sisters, Betty (Raul) Suarez and Lillian Olson; her brother-in-law, Richard Toraason; and many relatives and friends.
Funeral Services for Roseann will be held on Tuesday, March 31st at Trinity Lutheran Church (7104 – 39th Ave.). Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Interment will be private.
