Judith J. Knutson

     Judith Janelle (Houston) Knutson passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 28, 2026, at the age of 87, at her home — surrounded by family after celebrating her birthday weekend with cheesecake, phone calls from her grandchildren, and the warmth of those she loved most.

     Judie is survived by her brothers, Roberts A. Houston (Loretta) and Francis P. Houston (Raychel) — her four children: William Knutson Jr.; Sonya (Gary) Mogenson; Ramona (Steven) Lee; and Bradley (Kelly) Knutson — her nine grandchildren: Kristin (Eric), Joseph (Allie), Allison, Rob (Caroline), Paul (Lauren), Elizabeth, William, Lillian, and Abigail — and her four great-grandchildren: Lucy, Jack, Clementine, and Vivienne. Judie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 50 years, William D. Knutson Sr. (Bill).

A Life Beautifully Lived

     Judie's extraordinary life began on a spring day in 1939, when proud parents Francis and Alyce Houston welcomed their first child into the world. Judie grew into a devoted big sister, later welcoming her brothers Roberts A. (Loretta) Houston and Francis Houston II (Rachel). The family settled in Boone, Iowa, where Judie formed lifelong friendships and graduated from high school. It was not long after that a chance encounter at a local soda fountain in Dunlap, Iowa, would change the course of her life — for it was there she met her future husband, Bill.

     Together, Bill and Judie built their life and family on a farm in the Crawford and Monona County area of southwest Iowa. Their family grew with the birth of William Jr., followed by daughter Sonya a year later. Ramona blessed the household a few years after, and Bradley completed the family. Judie and Bill cherished an active social and spiritual life, anchored by their membership at St. John's Lutheran Church in Dunlap, Iowa, as well as the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. They were richly blessed with dear friends and extended family.

     In the mid-1980s, after raising four children and seeing each of them go on to college, Bill and Judie traded farm life for a new chapter in Omaha, Nebraska. Judie joined the Marriott International Reservation Center, where her efficiency, warmth, and tireless work ethic quickly earned her an impeccable reputation. Her talent for building relationships and her natural grace with people caught the attention of Marriott leadership, leading to a promotion to the Sales Team at the Marriott Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida — and a new life in the Sunshine State.

     Judie's career flourished as she advanced steadily within Marriott International. She accepted an Assistant Director of Sales role and, within a few years, was promoted to Director of Sales at the Residence Inn Lake Buena Vista near Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Her successes there led Marriott to select Judie to serve as the opening Director of Sales at the brand-new Residence Inn by Universal Studios — a crowning achievement that stood as the crescendo of a remarkable corporate career. Bill and Judie continued to thrive in Orlando, settling happily into retirement.

     As health challenges began to accumulate, the couple chose to relocate to St. Louis, Missouri, to be closer to family. They settled into their St. Louis home and found joy surrounded by loved ones and a warm community of neighbors who opened their hearts to them.

     In the fall of 2003, Judie received a diagnosis of esophageal cancer — a disease that carries daunting odds. True to her character, she faced it with courage and determination, ultimately becoming one of the longest-known survivors of esophageal cancer. In the years that followed, even after the passing of her beloved Bill, Judie continued to live independently and maintain an active, engaged life in St. Louis for more than two decades.

Legacy & Remembrance

     Judie Knutson leaves behind a legacy defined by resilience, love, and an extraordinary ability to make everyone around her feel welcomed and valued. Whether raising a family on an Iowa farm, building a distinguished career in hospitality, or cheering on her grandchildren from afar, she brought the same generous spirit to every season of her life.

     Judie will be laid to rest at the Lutheran Country Church Cemetery in Soldier, Iowa, beside her husband Bill. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Soldier Lutheran Country Church, Soldier, Iowa.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."