Robert L. Knutson, 84, of Eau Claire, died Sunday, December 21, 2008, at the Syverson Lutheran Home in Eau Claire.\r\nHe was born in La Crosse, WI, on November 28, 1924, the son of Lloyd and Christine (Merfeld) Knutson. In 1942 he graduated from Aquinas High School in La Crosse and entered the U.S. Army Air Force on May 14, 1943, serving until the time of his honorable discharge on February 4, 1946.\r\nOn February 1, 1946, Robert married Beverly J. Kronberg at St. John's Catholic Church in La Crosse.\r\nHe worked as an agent for the Milwaukee Railroad for 46 years until the time of his retirement in 1985.\r\nRobert was a member of St. James the Greater Catholic Church. He was an active member of the YMCA in Eau Claire; a member of the Eau Claire Amateur Radio Club; also, a member of MARS (Military Affiliate Radio Systems) for twenty years. Among his favorite pastimes were gardening and traveling with his wife, Beverly, and attending Elk Mound football and basketball games. Bob was a "do-it-yourself" kind of person. \r\nRobert is survived by his wife of 62 years, Beverly; six children, J. Richard (Ricci) Knutson of Sturtevant, WI; Susan Zukaitis of South St. Paul, MN, Jane (Dan) Pedersen of Menomonie, Margaret (Dan) Muleski of Wisconsin Rapids, John (Diane) Knutson of Duluth, MN, and Jeff Knutson of Eau Claire; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Florence (Marvin) Wigdal of La Crosse; a brother, James (Elizabeth) Knutson of Onalaska; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Brian Knutson; two brothers, Jack, and Leonard; and a sister, Kathryn LaFleur.\r\nMemorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 27, 2008, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Eau Claire with Father John A. Schultz celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire. Family and friends may call one hour prior to Mass Saturday at church.

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