Susan M. Knutson, age 61, of Prescott, died unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, January 18th 2023. Susan was born on March 26th 1961 in Lanesboro, Minnesota to Helen and E. Eugene Anderson. She graduated from Preston High School in Preston, MN and then attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. On May 19th 1984, she married John Knutson, the love of her life and her best friend with whom she shared life’s greatest moments.
Susan worked at KinderCare for 33½ years in Woodbury, MN, serving nearly 10,000 children and families. Susan’s center was a training center where she trained district leaders, regional vice presidents, and many of KinderCare’s center directors. Susan loved children and selflessly championed their needs. Her sincerity, passion, hugs, and love for people—and for life in general—was exhibited each day with her colleagues, family, and friends. At KinderCare, she formed lifelong friendships and enriched the lives of her employees as a leader, mentor, and friend.
She drew much of her zeal for life from the Joy Lutheran Church where she was a devoted member of the Bell Choir. She was drawn to the camaraderie and enriched the group to such an extent that others joined because of her. Indeed, her infectious smile lightened any room and she was oh-so positive, always looking on the sunny side of life. She loved to laugh, had a quick wit, enjoyed planning, had a passion for cooking and gardening, cherished the good life, and always loved being with people.
Susan was an avid Packer fan which created a huge rivalry with her Minnesota siblings. When Ben graduated from high school, all the Packer memorabilia was turned upside down or backwards at his party by the family. So many memories of Susan—having chicken pox growing up and thinking it was from the chickens on the farm; siblings being late for the school bus or church due to the need for Susan (and her sisters) to dry her hair over the oven door; the many 4-H fashion revues; the memory of Susan wanting to lose a tooth like her sister, so would knock her top teeth on the headboard hoping to jar one lose—these memories and more bring joy to us as we mourn her loss. Susan was a wonderful sister! She will be missed by so many.
Susan loved her extended family and looked forward to getting together around campfires, at her childhood family farm, or for family or neighborhood celebrations where everyone was welcome. Susan was a loving, warm, and fun grandmother to Rebekah and Hayden, whom she adored. Susan and John had plans to move to Iowa this spring to be closer to Ben, Kristine, Rebekah, Hayden, and her sister, Gretchen.
She is survived by her husband, John; one son, Benjamin (Kristine) of Marion, IA and two grandchildren, Rebekah and Hayden; one brother, Tom (Karen) of Plainview, MN; three sisters: Gretchen (Richard) Hartwig of Colo, IA; Kathryn (Pastor Norman) Wahl of Rochester, MN; and Carolyn (Brian) Hoff of Detroit Lakes, MN; and nine nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents (Helen and E. Eugene Anderson), a brother, Todd, and a sister, Heidi.
A memorial service was held on Sunday, January 22th 2023 at 1:30pm at Joy Lutheran Church (1435 St. Croix Street) in Prescott with a reception following the service. Memorials will be donated to the Bell Choir at Joy Lutheran Church. Arrangements are with the Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Click here to watch the recording of Susan’s service.
17 Comments
Susan was light and joy. It was so much fun ringing bells with her. We will miss her. Rest is peace Susan.
Susan was my boss at KinderCare and I learned so much from her! She is someone I strive to be like! She will be missed!
John and Ben,
So sorry for your loss.
Love from all of us.
Kjensruds
We are so blessed to have known Susan and have her in our family.
Prayers and Love to you, John and Ben.
Susan was such a joy. She welcomed my grandson and daughter into KinderCare with open arms. She always had a smile and greeted us as family. She will be missed 💕
She was my Soul Sister and l just loved her still today. I will keep you in my Heart ❤️
Susan was a beautiful mentor of mine at KinderCare. Her passion for doing what is right, her love for what she did, and her ability to share that in such a beautiful and strong way was always something I admired and looked up to. I have always considered myself lucky to have had the opportunity to have known her and called her my friend. We shared many giggles over stories & she gave me valuable advice I use even in my career path today. She will be missed by so many.
Teri and I were sorry to hear that Susan had died suddenly. We had enjoyed our short time with her at Marge’s funeral. It sounds like she had a heart much like her Aunts including our Mother Audrey. A personality that loves children unconditionally and unselfishly always gives more to the people around them than they receive in return. She will be missed by all who knew her. Our hearts are with you as you grieve her loss.
Susan’s energy and attitude was infectious. When my husband and I moved up to Minnesota, knowing no one, it was a great source of comfort seeing her every day at Kindercare during the years our son attended. I never knew how she managed to keep up with all the kiddos! You could tell she cared about everyone so deeply, and she always had a smile on her face. You felt like family stepping into the building, and she was a huge part of that. I remember her talking about retirement and not knowing what to do with herself! She is gone way too soon, I know she will be deeply missed by anyone who was lucky enough to have her in their life. My deepest condolences to her family and friends, she was an incredible woman.
Sue was a beautiful person inside and out. She loved to laugh and was extremely kind. Praying for peace and comfort for the family and loved ones.
John, Ben and family… so sorry to hear of Sue’s passing… such a kind and caring person.. thoughts and prayers for you all…
John, so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family!
I am so sad to hear of Susan’s passing. She was always so warm and kind to my son and our family when my son attended KinderCare. Our deepest condolences to her family.
This is such sad news! Susan was a great Director and friend over the many years I worked with her at Kindercare, starting with the day the Woodbury center opened. Her heart for kids and her staff was huge! Deepest condolences to her family.
Susan touched the lives of so many children and was loved by staff. She will be missed.
We knew Susan from her younger years in high school and were farm neighbors. She was always so kind and energetic. Her beautiful smile brightened every day. Deepest sympathy to her family.
Our condolences to the entire family. Susan was a wonderful person. The love she showed for all the kids at Kindercare was amazing. My son always loved seeing Ms Susan when he arrived at daycare and when he left each day.
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