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IN MEMORY

Ken Knutson - Class Of 1958

Kenneth “Ken” R. Knutson Kenneth “Ken” R. Knutson, 74, of Holmen and formerly of West Salem, passed away peacefully at home on June 21, 2015, with his family by his side. He was born November 1, 1940, in Kenosha, Wis., to Giles and F. Emogene (Blankley) Knutson.

Ken graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1958. He was recruited by the Boston Red Sox at the age of 17, and two days after graduation he left for Lexington, NE, to join the minor league team. Three years later he resigned from the Boston Red Sox organization and returned to college to further his education. He married his high school sweetheart, Carole M. Topel on September 16, 1961, at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Kenosha, Wis.

Ken graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater in 1962, with a Bachelor of Science/Business Administration Degree.  He worked at Trane Co., on the controller’s staff and developed financial systems and procedures. In 1968, he worked at National Cash Register (NCR) in Portage, Wis., as Financial Manager. In 1970, he was transferred to West Salem to be Financial Manager of the NCR Co., there. In 1975, Ken was elected on the West Salem Village Board. In 1976, he was appointed West Salem Village Administrator and held that position for 26 years.  After retiring in 2002, Ken and Carole enjoyed traveling with their RV and met many great friends in their travels. They wintered in Florida for the past 12 years.

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Carole; son, Eric (Barb) of Onalaska; daughter, Ann Servais (Rick Wilhelm) of La Crosse; five grandchildren, Allen Servais, Andrew Servais, Melissa (John) Patterson, Dan Knutson (Jenna Gautsch), and Jennifer Knutson; one great-grandson, Lucas Patterson; brother-in-law, Len Boresch; eight nieces; one nephew; and many cousins.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his two sisters, Carol A. Knutson and Nancy M. (Larry) Kordecki; his in-laws, Orville and Florence Topel; and his sister-in-law, Judy Boresch.

A time of gathering for family and friends was held on June 27, 2015, at Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Home in West Salem, followed by a reception at Westview Inn, West Salem. Private family burial will be at a later date in Kenosha, WI.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred and may be given to the West Salem Baseball Association or the North American Squirrel Association (n.a.s.a.). Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.

The family would like to thank Dr. H. Rasool, MCHS-FH Oncology department for the wonderful care and compassionate support during this difficult time.