Lenore Knutson Obituary (1917 - 2018)

Lenore Helene Knutson of Hobart, IN, passed away in Green River, WY on April 17, 2018 peacefully and surrounded by the love of her family at the age of 100. She was born in Kesley, IA, daughter of George and Helene (Hintzen) DeVries. She was the second of four children, Esther, Arnold, and George. Lenore attended elementary school in Kesley, IA and she graduated salutatorian of her high school class in 1934 at the young age of 16 in Aplington, IA. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 1938, with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. After working for one year at Radio Station KFJB in Marshalltown, IA, she worked for five years at Radio Station WSAU in Wausau, WI, where she was in charge of women’s news programs. There she was known as The Voice with a Smile. Lenore then worked for three years in Public Relations in Chicago, IL, first for Club Aluminum Products Company and later for The Delphian Society, a national organization that promoted the education of women in the United States. After relocating to Hobart, IN, she worked as Advertising Representative and then as Advertising Manager for The Herald Newspapers in Northwest Indiana. There Lenore built a deep and lasting connection to the community for herself and the three generations of her family that followed. After thirty years with The Herald, she retired in 1985. Lenore loved to bake and cook healthy foods, backyard bird watching, tending to her plants, spending time with her children and watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow. This extraordinary woman was strong, independent, passionate, forward thinking, and a positive role model and inspiration to all who knew her. Lenore is survived by one son, Ronald (Linda) Knutson of Louisville, CO, and one daughter, Karla (John) Thibeault of Rock Springs, WY; eight grandchildren, Lou Ann (Heath) Keeling of Kokomo, IN, Eric Knutson of Hygiene, CO, Laura (Jesse) Brooks of Denver, CO, Kristil Thibeault of Wildemar, CA, Joshua (Karilynn) Adkins of Rock Springs, WY, Rhiannon (Edgar) Romero Adkins and Emily (Jeiremy) Gomez of Green River, WY and Estevia Thibeault of Rock Springs, WY; fourteen great grandchildren, Zachary and Taylor Kuhns, Alec Thibeault, Joseph Adkins, Damon, Jaydin, Dominic and Colton Adams, Skylee, Malea, Grace and Elijah Gomez, Isabella and Cecilia Romero Adkins. Lenore is also survived by one cousin, Adele McDowell of Des Moines, IA, and three nieces and two nephews. Graveside service and interment was on April 25, 2018 at Bethel Reformed Cemetery in Kesley, IA.