Darwin Knutsen

COLONEL DARWIN H. KNUTSEN ROCKFORD - Colonel Darwin H. Knutsen, 82, of Sterling, died Thursday, April 4, 2013 at Rockford Memorial Hospital. He and his brother Daryl "Dutch" founded Knutsen Cabinets in 1951. Darwin was born February 21, 1931 in Charlotte, IA, the son of Henry and Winifred (Johnson) Knutsen. He enlisted in the Army on May 12, 1948 and did combat time during the Korean Conflict as an enlisted Personal E7. He returned home and accepted a commission state active duty at least 15 times. Darwin assisted Illinois State Police and the Army with the Martin Luther King assassination in 1968 and with the DeKalb College riots. He also took part in the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago. Darwin served in Germany during the Berlin Wall Crisis. Darwin was a member of Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sterling. Survivors include one sister-in-law, Shirley Knutsen of Rock Falls; three nieces, Debbie (Tom) Tiesman of Rock Falls, Dawn (J.B.) Dillon of Longmont, CO, and Dana (James) Bond of Commerce City, CO; two nephews, Keith (Holly) Knutsen and Kraig (Darcie) Knutsen both of Sterling; fifteen great-nieces and nephews; one great-great- nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Daryl "Dutch" Knutsen. Services will be held at 10 AM, Monday, April 8, 2013 at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church with Reverend Patrick Pinion, officiating. Burial will be at the Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation will be from 1-3 pm, Sunday, April 7, 2013 at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. In Lieu of flowers a memorial has been established. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.