Joanne H. Knutson, a woman of grace, generosity, quiet unquenchable faith and endless curiosity, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, in Ennis, Texas, at the age of 95.
Joanne was born on March 25, 1930, in Montevideo, Minnesota. After graduating from Richfield High School, she attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, where she met the love of her life, Ken, in a Physical Hygiene class. They often joked that there was an immediate “attraction.” Joanne and Ken were married in 1951 at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and were married for 62 years.
They made their first home in Baudette, MN, where Ken worked as a teacher. It was there they welcomed their first two children, Kim and Jodi. In 1956, the family moved to Tracy, Minnesota, where they settled and had two more children, Joseph and Leslie. As the wife of a teacher, she made a point of welcoming new educators to their community with a home-cooked meal and a friendly face.
Joanne’s greatest joy was her family. She took immense pride in her children and grandchildren and delighted in sharing their lives. She was a strong force, steady guide and encouraging mother and a generous grandma who delighted in visiting or welcoming her grands creating countless treasured memories.
Joanne was renowned for her legendary green thumb, which produced awardwinning roses at the Methodist flower show, and was an active member of the Tracy Garden Club and Antique Club. When flowers from her garden were in bloom, she loved creating fresh cut arrangements to display throughout the house. Her mind was as vibrant as her garden. A voracious reader and a member of the Library Board, she was a true wordsmith. Her family fondly remembers her love for crossword puzzles, particularly the New York Times Sunday edition, and her “word of the week” on the family chalkboard. This intellectual curiosity was matched by a mischievous, playful sense of humor and a love for travel.
Her hands were rarely idle. A master knitter, she gifted countless sweaters, baby blankets, dishcloths and throws to friends and family. Her community benefited from her kindness and time as she volunteered for Tracy Lutheran Church, Tracy Hospital, and Meals on Wheels. Throughout her life, she worked as a retail clerk at Kirkpatrick and Brix Drugs and later drove a school bus.
Joanne loved the outdoors and created cherished family memories while camping. In their later years, she and Ken found joy in a more relaxed pace, spending their summers with their camper parked up north, a quiet retreat that perfectly suited their retirement life.
Joanne was also known for her keen sense of style and flair, often seen wearing her signature hats and capes with great flourish. She loved to swim and instilled in her children a love for water, reading, travel, and laughter. Her loyal and kind friendships, cultivated over many years, were a testament to her social spirit, evident in her long-standing involvement in Bridge Club, 500 Club, and Birthday Club.
Joanne is survived by three of her four children: Kim Knutson of Sandstone, MN; Jodi Lynch of Broomfield, CO; and Leslie Downing (Mike) of Ennis, TX. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Marisa Bateman, Justin (Patty) Haverkate, Sarah (Mitch) Tabor, Jeanne (Brady) Knutson, Anna Knutson, Cole Knutson, Nate Halverson, Lauren (Sebastian) Lynch Pirkl, Christopher (Sara) Lynch, Meghan Lynch, Donna, Duke, and Beth Higgins, and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Susan (Tom) Hallin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ken, one son, Joseph and one sister, Mary Arnold. She is also survived by one sister, Susan (Tom) Hallin, and daughter-in-law Sheri Knutson.
In a final act of generosity, Joanne and Ken, both made the selfless decision to donate their bodies for medical research. It was their shared wish to have their ashes buried together, a final gesture of their enduring bond. Once Joanne’s ashes are returned, a memorial service will be held to inter them together. Details about the service will be shared at a later date.
If you wish to send cards or remembrances prior to her memorial, please send to either Jodi Lynch, 1410 St Andrews Dr, Broomfield, CO 80020 and/or Leslie Downing 3455 Oak Grove Rd, Ennis, TX 75119.
