Esther Ann Knutson

Esther Knutson, 90, gained her angel wings and went home to her Heavenly Father on February 14, 2022. She was born in New Vienna, Iowa on January 7, 1932, daughter to Frank and Sophia (Vonderhaar) Wilgenbusch. Esther was the youngest of ten children. In 1950, Esther graduated from St. Boniface High school and following she settled in Rockford, Illinois graduated from beauty school then worked at Fountain of Beauty. Esther wed Harold J. Knutson at St. Mary’s Church in Rockford, Illinois. Throughout her life, Esther was a devoted Catholic, attending church every day that she was able, and was proud to be a member of Saint Patrick’s Church. The most important things to Esther was her faith, and her beloved family. As often as possible, she attended numerous activities the grandchildren were involved in. Thorough her life, she also enjoyed playing cards with friends and family.

She will be survived by those who loved her most, her children Diane (Walter) Wilson, Steven (Brenda) Knutson, Margaret Golden, Dennis (Marilyn) Erickson, and son-in-law Darryl (Rhonda) Jones; her grandchildren Michael, Jacob, Whitney, Joseph (Gabi), Joshua and Donavan; numerous nieces and nephews. Esther is predeceased by her beloved husband Harold; her daughters Kay Jones and Mary Jo Knutson; her grandchildren Megan Jones and David Golden; son in law Douglas Golden; her parents; her sisters Marie (Wm) Schwers, Valeria (Al) Schwers, Sister Grace Marie, Barbara (Ralph) Graham, Anna Mae Wright; her brothers Joseph, Albin (Helen), Emil (Helen), and John (Betty).

Visitation will take place on Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Avenue, Rockford, Illinois 61103. Visitation will continue on Friday, February 18, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 2505 School St, Rockford, IL 61101. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to River Bluff Nursing Home (especially the staff on the Cardinal Neighborhood), Mercy Hospice and hospice and Chaplain Ken for all the care and compassion everyone provided to Esther. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com