Christine "Chris" Ann Knutson

On Friday, January 19, 2024, Christine “Chris” Knutson, of West Bend, found eternal peace, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family at Lawlis Hospice in Mequon.

Chris was born on September 28, 1949 to Oscar and Jean (nee Filyes) Schober in Milwaukee. The family resided in West Bend, and that’s where she graduated high school from in 1967. Chris attended UW-Oshkosh, and later earned a Registered Nursing degree from the University of Arkansas in 1977.

Chris met Jim Knutson, and the two wed on September 19, 1970 in the backyard of her parents’ home near Cedar Lake in West Bend. Chris and Jim shared a remarkable and inseparable bond for 53 years, and were most importantly best friends. After their wedding, they spent several years in Fayetteville, Arkansas. They returned to Wisconsin to be closer to family, and Chris began her career working as a psychiatric nurse at the Washington County Mental Health Center for over 21 years.

Chris will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and friend. She was proud to serve her community through her work in mental healthcare, where she was extremely receptive to people’s emotions and guided them through life’s hardships. Chris was known for being patient, kind and always respectful of others. She was supportive of Jim, as she worked with him in his home inspection business for over 31 years.

Chris was a volunteer Teacher Naturalist (TN) at Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg for more than 20 years, where she was able to share her love of the natural world with people of all ages. She especially enjoyed teaching school programs for young learners. She also assisted with countless family programs, festivals and special events.

Chris and Jim loved spending time outdoors with their family. Some of their favorite activities included camping, traveling, hiking, biking, bird watching, gardening and just generally being together. Chris had many things close to her heart, but family was paramount. Though they will miss her, they will never forget all the love and good memories they were able to share with Chris.

She leaves behind her husband and best friend of 53 years, Jim; her two loving children, Sunny Knutson (Fletcher Marron), and Eric Knutson; and her wonderful grandsons, Maxwell, Emerson, and Alexander.

Chris was one of five siblings, who also survive her, including: Judy Piester, Bill Schober (Jan), Dave Schober (Betsy) and Steve Schober (Linda).

She was predeceased by her parents, Oscar and Jean; and Jim’s parents.

Chris’s family will be celebrating her life privately, but keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

A very special thank you goes out to the staff of Froedtert West Bend Hospital, as well as the staff with Horizon Hospice, who showed great care during a time it was most needed.

In place of flowers, please make a donation in her name to Riveredge Nature Center (https://75661.blackbaudhosting.com/75661/Operating[1]Total) so that the love of nature and conservation can be a continued passion for others like Chris.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Chris’s arrangements. Additional information, and to leave a condolence on our Tribute Wall, is available at www.myrhum-patten.com.