Meredith R. Knutson

Meredith R. Knutson

Jan. 16, 1929 - Nov. 12, 2013

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WILSONVILLE, Nebraska -- Meredith R. Knutson, age 93, formerly of Wilsonville, died at the Good Samaritan Society Nursing Facility on Nov. 12, 2013.

He was born on the family farm near Wilsonville on Jan. 16, 1920, to Elmer John and Helen Marie (Vise). He went to country school with his sister, Merle, through the sixth grade, then to school and high school in Wilsonville. He rode his horse to school.

In 1941, he went to work for the Baltimore Aircraft Factory, shaping wings and fuselage parts for the Navy PBY planes. He joined the U.S. Army with his friend, Charles Ankenman in July of 1942. He reported to Fort Crook, Nebraska, for induction to the Army on Sept. 9, 1942. He served in the 32nd Bombardment Squadron as a crew chief of nine men near Normandy, Southern France, Italy, Rome-Arno Theatres. He was discharge from the service in September of 1945.

Upon returning home, he worked in McCook as a mechanic for seven months, during this time he met a young girl. He was united in marriage to Katherine Thill. To this union three children were born: Thomas; Victor and Rich. Katherine preceded him in death on July 10, 1957. The couple farmed near Wilsonville on the family farm. Meredith retired from farming in 1982. Meredith was married to Pauline Rennecker in 1981, she preceded him in death in 2006

Meredith was a life-long member of the Methodist Church. He was also a member of the American Legion Post of Wilsonville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Katherine and Pauline; granddaughter, Kara Knutson and a great-granddaughter, Alex Snyder and a brother-in-law, Rex Cozad.

He is survived by his three sons, Tom and wife, Darlene of Westminster, Colorado; Vic and wife, Nancy of Wilsonville; Rich and wife, Kay of Alma, Nebraska; seven grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren and a sister: Merle Cozad of Norton, Kansas.

Funeral service will be on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Cambridge, Nebraska, with Pastor Jeff Wulf. Interment will take place at the Wilsonville Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. with Military Honors.

Memorials may be left in Meredith's name to the Trinity United Methodist Church. Friend may leave on line condolences at lockenour.com.

Lockenour-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.