Michael "Mike" Knutson

Michael G. Knutson, formerly of Onalaska/Viroqua, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025. He was born on June 5, 1948, in Viroqua, WI, to Marlene (Zitzner) and Gordon Knutson.

Mike met the love of his life, Lois Neabling, on July 4, 1983. They were married on November 26, 1983. Mike brought two wonderful sons into the family from a previous marriage and was very proud of them, always ready to share stories about them.

Mike graduated from Viroqua High School in 1966. He worked a variety of jobs growing up, starting as a paper boy at age 12, later working in a grocery store, and soon after graduation, enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, where he proudly served 4 years before completing a 41 year career in the military, which also included time in the Army National Guard, working as a Federal Civil Servant at Volk Field Air National Guard Base on Camp Williams, finally retiring in 2007. Mike was also very proud of his military career and was a true patriot who loved his country deeply.

Mike had many passions, he loved to indulge in a giant bowl of popcorn, and take down the occasional popsicle, but he truly loved cars, and “cruising the lots” for the newest models, pointing out old classics on a road trip to anywhere. In recent years, this included a number of Corvettes that he and Lois would wander along country roads, cherishing their time together.  Mike also loved spending time with his sons, teaching them how to hunt at an early age, instilling in them the safety and lifelong enjoyment of the sport and the great outdoors – especially the annual deer hunt, always sure to be up early and in the woods before anyone else. Above all, Mike loved camping. Whether setting up a tent, a pop-up or backing in a luxury optioned fifth wheel, he was at home at the campground. Around the table playing cards, ripping off an emphatic Boxcar Willie “choo-choo” or laughably quaking as Donald Duck around the campfire, he passed along these passions to his sons,  who have many memories to share forever.

After retirement, Mike and Lois enjoyed many years as “snowbirds” in Pharr, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley, where they built lasting friendships and countless memories.

Mike is survived by his two sons, Brian (Nissa) Knutson of Cottage Grove, MN and Mark (Jenny) Knutson of Viroqua, WI; four grandchildren, Brooke, Grace, Tate, and Walker; and his sisters, Carolyn (Kevin) Parr, Becky (Wayne) Nedland of Viroqua, and Elizabeth Evans of Westby. He is also remembered by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved stepfather, Leon Mellem, his grandparents, many aunts, uncles and extended family, his wife of 40 years, Lois, and his dearest lifelong friends, Loren and Phyllis Mellem.

A service for Mike and his wife Lois - who passed June 20, 2024 - will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025.  A Time of Sharing will be held at 12:30 PM with a visitation from 11 AM - 12:30 PM at Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services.  A Graveside Service with military honors will follow at 1:30 PM at the Liberty Pole Cemetery.     

Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is serving the family.

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