James "Jimmy" Knudson

James (Jimmy) Wayne Knudson, age 79, of Westby passed away Thursday, October 21, 2021, at his residence. He was born August 1, 1942. He was the son of Harold L. and A. Odrun (Eggen) Knudson. Jim was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Westby, and became a member of Vang Lutheran in the 1980's where he served many years on the council and off and on as congregation President. Jimmy attended Clockmaker Country School for 8 years, graduated from Westby High School in 1960, and the UW-Madison Ag Short Course in 1961. He was a dairy farmer most of his life. He bused children to Clockmaker School until the school closed in 1964. After retiring from farming in 1999, he went to work for 10 years at Stefferud/Horizon Equipment Co. Jimmy married Mary Chroninger in 1980. Mary brought a ready-made family: Sandy, Curt, and Chris. Sadly, Mary passed away from cancer at age 42. Jimmy raised his family well, seeing they all graduated from universities, and married. He has much enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow up, attending their recitals, plays, and games: Elizabeth (Libby) and Samuel Noll, Cailey Chroninger, and MaryMae Chroninger. For many years he bowled on two leagues, and enjoyed going to auto racing with his friends, especially short track racing around Wisconsin. He was an avid Packer, Badger, and Norseman basketball and football fan. His family enjoyed canoeing on the Kickapoo. Jimmy is survived by his children: Sandra (Ted) Noll and their children Libby and Sam of Fox Point, WI; Curt (Maryanne) Chroninger and their daughter Cailey of Coon Valley; and Christopher (Briana) Chroninger and their daughter MaryMae of La Crosse. Surviving also are his niece Kimberley (Wade) Walsh and their children James and twins Erica & Tori and their families, of Ormond Beach, FL, and a special cousin/lifelong friend Jeanne (Eggen) Fredrick, of Viroqua. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister Kay, and his sister, Ruth Ann Schmitt, as well as all his grandparents, aunts and uncles, and two cousins, Kathleen Knudson and Ron Larson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Vang Lutheran Church in Jim’s memory. A Memorial Service will be held at Vang Lutheran Church off Hwy. 14 at Vang Road, on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Jim will be laid to rest at the Vang Cemetery following service. A lunch will be provided after burial at the Vang Church. Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving Jimmy's family. 708 S. Main Street Westby, WI 54667 (608) 637-2100