Knutson, Alvina

Alvina Knutson, 101, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Oct. 11, 2012, at St. Luke's Hospital. Services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Burial to follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel.

Alvina is survived by her seven children: daughter, Peggy Shonka (Dan) of Cedar Rapids; and sons, Ted (Sharon) and John (Virginia), both of Cedar Rapids, Tom (Peg) of Marion, Joe (Carla) of Cedar Rapids, Bob (Georgia) of Clinton and Don of Fairfield, Ohio; 18 grandchildren, Teddy Shonka, Sarah (Cory) Henke, David Knutson, Adam Knutson, Kris (Ted) Noring, Jennifer (Dave) Maus, Tim Knutson, Kenny Knutson, Mimi (Charles) Mayfield, Steve (Gracie) Knutson, Katie Knutson, Rick (Melissa) Tillotson, Beth Hulburt, Mike Knutson, Carrie Kinnaird, Tony (Emily) Knutson, Steve (Lisa) Knutson and Bob (Tracy) Knutson; and 25 great-grandchildren, Grace, Sam and Ben Noring, Hannah, Tucker and Tyler Maus, Amanda and Jakob Knutson, Cassidy Johnston, Ben, Lucas, and Jared Mayfield, Parker Hulburt, Amy, Olivia, and Emily Tillotson, Andrea and Ryan Kinnaird, Elin and Nile Knutson, Joe, Emma, and Samantha Knutson, and Ellie and Alex Knutson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Truman; five sisters, Pauline, Freda, Christine, Lydia and Margaret; four brothers, Gus, Jake, John and David; and her parents.

Alvina was born July 28, 1911, near Turtle Lake, N.D., to Margaret and David Schlichenmayer. She married Truman Knutson on Sept. 3, 1939. He passed away Dec. 23, 1987. As a teenager and before getting married, Alvina worked as a maid and a nanny. She attended State Teachers College in Valley City, N.D., and taught school for two years in a one-room schoolhouse. She also worked for 15 years in the Jefferson High School cafeteria. Alvina was a member of Ellis Park Church of God.

She will be fondly remembered as a great cook who wanted nothing more than to feed whoever came to her home. Even if you weren't hungry, you quickly learned to graciously accept her offer of food or drink as she wouldn't take no for an answer. Besides cooking, she enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, picnics, playing Kings in the Corner, being outdoors, and most of all just being with her family. She always thought of others before herself and never had a bad word to say about anyone. She never complained, never uttered a cuss word, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. With the help of her children, she was able to remain in her own home of 51 years until the very end.

Please leave a message to Alvina's family on the Web page at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.

Published Oct. 13, 2012 in The Gazette