Dolores Elizabeth (Willard) Knutson

Aug. 21, 1931–Oct. 28, 2020

At age 89, Dolores died peacefully at Ebenezer Ridges Care Center after years of complications from diabetes, and weakened after hospitalization for Covid-19. Survived by children Jeff of Richfield, Minn., and Susan Knutson ‘82 (Filipe Sousa) of Robbinsdale, Minn.; grandson Daniel Sousa (Helena Thomaz) of Minneapolis; sister Janice Carter of Marshalltown, Iowa; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, George Edward and Naomi (Meline) Willard; brother Ed Willard Jr; brother-in-law Richard Carter; and long-time companion Jim King.

Dolores was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and graduated from Westport High School in Kansas City. She received a Certificate in Elementary Education from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, in 1952, and completed her B.A. at the College of St Catherine, St. Paul, Minn., in 1977. She served as Sunday School Teacher at Lutheran churches for many years--Our Savior's in Minneapolis and Church of the Master in Edina. She also volunteered as a Troop Leader while her daughter Susan was a Girl Scout. Once her children were older, Dolores worked as a teacher and private tutor, in the Edina school district and other nearby suburbs. She resided on Beard Ave in Edina for more than 50 years. She enjoyed reading about Edina history, going to the Edina Art Fair, walking around the neighborhood and nearby parks, including Wood Lake Nature Center, and curating family photo albums.

She remained in touch with her first husband, Roald Knutson; enjoyed happy years in later life with Jim King, including trips to Florida, Mexico, and Portugal; and sustained long-lasting friendships. She will be missed greatly. No memorial planned.