Darwin R. Knudtson

Darwin R. Knudtson, 89, of Moline, formerly of Geneseo, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at his home.  A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Moline, IL. Reverend Wilfred Karsten will officiate. A luncheon will follow the church service. Burial at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo will take place immediately after the luncheon.  Military Honors will be accorded by Don Cherry VFW Post. Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be directed to their favorite charities, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, or Bethesda Lutheran Home.

Darwin was born June 3, 1930, the son of Otis and Emma (Larson) Knudtson, in Bricelyn, MN.  He graduated from Albert Lea High School.  He married Rita Brand on February 19, 1954. She preceded him in death in 1993.  He later married Donna York on September 24, 1994.  He proudly served in the United States Army.  Darwin started Knudtson Potato Farm, Inc., located in rural Geneseo, in 1959. It is still in operation today.  Darwin was very active in the community, serving as a Deacon at Concordia Lutheran Church, Geneseo, on the REA Farmers Mutual Electric Board, Henry County Farm Bureau, National Potato Board, Good Samaritan Board, and for many years on the Central Bank Board.  He enjoyed flying his airplane, square and ballroom dancing, and traveling. He built his own cabin at Oak Run and enjoyed his time there.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Donna; children, Dean (Pat) Knudtson, Geneseo, Paula (Eugene) Moller, Colona, IL, Julie Knudtson, Davenport, IA, and Sandra (Greg) Peugh, West Plaines, MO; step-children, Kevin (Michelle) Waugaman, Moline, IL, Eric (Sandy) Waugaman, Anchorage, AK, and Andrea (Clint) Baker, Bettendorf, IA; eleven grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Marlene) Knudtson, Florida; and sister, Gloria Kallstrom, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Emma, his wife, Rita, son, David, four brothers, and three sisters.