Our beloved mother, nana, great grandmother; sister, aunt and friend, Virginia Knutson passed away with family by her side on Monday, April 24, 2023, at the age of 98 years.
Virginia was born in Scarville, lowa, on January 18, 1925, to Emlet and Lillian (Albertson) Twito. The family moved to Estherville, lowa, when Virginia was three years old. She graduated from Estherville High School in 1942.
After her graduation Virginia worked as a clerk for JC Penney Company, as a billing machine operator for the Estherville Utilities Department, and as a Deputy City Clerk for the town of Estherville.
Virginia married the love of her life Gaylord Herem Knutson on November 13, 1954. They had two daughters, Connie and Kaylene.
Gaylord and Virginia farmed in Dolliver, lowa. Virginia was the quintessential farm wife, she was an amazing cook, and always welcomed visitors to the farm with open arms.
Their faith was very important to Gaylord and Virginia. They attended both Palestine Lutheran Church until it closed and then Estherville Lutheran Church while living in lowa. Following retirement they moved to Eden Prairie, Minnesota in 1997 where they attended Prairie Lutheran Church. In 2015 Virginia and Gaylord moved to Kentucky to be close to their daughters and their families. They then attended Calvary Community Church in Mayfield, Kentucky.
Virginia is survived by her loving daughters Connie Stebbins (Wayne), and Kaylene Cornell (Kevin). The joys of her life, her two grandsons, Phillip Cornell (Brooke McBee), and Cameron Cornell. Her newest joys were her great grandchildren, Katie Cornell and Andon Phillips. She is also survived by her sister LeAnn (Twito) Paulson, and many nieces and nephews. Virginia is predeceased by her husband, Gaylord H. Knutson, her parents, Emlet and Lillian Twito, Her sisters Carmen Hansen, and Gloria Alger and her brother Parnell Twito.
Virginia was active in community and church activities throughout her life. She enjoyed entertaining on the farm and frequently gatherings with family and friends. Most of all she loved her family deeply and will be dearly missed and will forever be held in our hearts.
A memorial service will take place at Estherville Lutheran Church, 208 N. 8th street, Estherville, Iowa on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be held on the day of the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow the inurnment at the church.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to: lngham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp, 1203 lnwan, Box 115, Milford, lowa 51351, or a charity of your choice.
