Merlin E. Knutson

Merlin E. Knutson, 80, of Viroqua, died Friday, June 14, 2019. Merlin E. Knutson, 80, of Viroqua, died Friday, June 14, 2019 at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua. He was born April 12, 1939 in Crawford County to Owen and Martha (Hiller) Knutson and was a 1957 graduate of Soldiers Grove High School. After high school he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany. After his discharge from the Army he worked at the GM plant in Janesville. He then decided to become a barber like his younger brother, Nyall, and attended Barber School. He married Marlene Allan and they had two daughters Brenda and Sherri. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at his camper. A favorite hobby (If you can call it that) was raising tobacco. Over the years Merlin enjoyed going to high school sporting events with his trusted radio by his side. He enjoyed watching or listening to the Packers and Wisconsin football and Brewer baseball. Merlin was a member of VFW Post #3032 and Eagles Aerie #2707. Merlin is survived by his daughters: Brenda (Kevin) Hansen of Fort Wayne, IN and Sherri (Kim Strom) Krause of Viroqua; his grandchildren: Logan (Katie) Hansen of Canton, OH, Connor (Olivia) Hansen of Indianapolis, IN, Jacob (Shelby) Hansen of Columbia City, IN and MaKayla Hansen of Fort Wayne, IN; step-grandson, Jeremiah (Dawn McGarry) Krause of Viroqua and three step-great-grandchildren: Katelyn, Konner and Keundra Krause; his brother, Nyall (Cheryl) Knutson of Janesville; sister-in-law, Ardelle Knutson of Soldiers Grove; former wife, Marlene Knutson of Viroqua; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters-in-law: Arlen (Shirley) Knutson, Elling (Betty) Knutson, Odell Knutson; and his sister, Marilyn and her husband, Kelly Messling; and his son-in-law, Rob Krause. Blessed be our memory of Merlin E. Knutson. Funeral services for Merlin will be Friday, June 21, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 504 S. Main St. in Viroqua. Pastor Yvonne Marshall will officiate. Friends may call during a visitation at the church from 11:00 AM until 1:00 Friday before the service. Burial with Military Honors, at South Kickapoo Cemetery on Co. Rd. J. On-line condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua is serving the family.