Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
Mary Knudtson
Mary Jane Knudtson, 81, of Osseo, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on May 22, 2026, at Dove Healthcare - Osseo.
Mary Jane Knudtson, daughter of Archie & Ella (Solfest) Klevgard, was born August 18, 1944. Mary Jane grew up in Bennett Valley, Gilmanton, WI, on the Klevgard family farm. Mary Jane and her sister Beverly were the youngest out of eight and were always called the “two little girls.”
She attended Gilmanton High School, was active in the choir, held the position of flag twirler for the marching band, and graduated in 1962.
After graduation, Mary Jane worked in the cities as a bookkeeper at JCPenney’s original office. Mary Jane (who preferred to go by Mary) was united in marriage to James Allen Knudtson at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Gilmanton, WI. Mary and James enjoyed 51 years of marriage. The couple lived in Gilmanton until 1972, when they moved to a farm in Osseo, WI.
Mary enjoyed the many years of farming with her husband, James, and her four children. She loved and cared for her children while driving tractors, milking cows, feeding livestock, and keeping food and coffee on the kitchen table from breakfast to supper for anyone who stopped over.
Mary held a few jobs while keeping the family farm going. She was known for her cooking abilities and used her talent while working at Norske Nook, CJ’s, and McDonalds. Mary also worked at the Augusta Nursing Home for over 20 years, where she enjoyed cleaning and talking to the residents. She made many dear friends during her time at the nursing home. She retired at the age of 79 to spend additional time with her great grandchildren.
In her spare time, Mary enjoyed drinking coffee and socializing with her friends and family, as well as going to thrift sales, the casino, and shaking dice.
In retirement, she embraced new experiences. Mary traveled twice to Virginia to visit her brother Duane and his family, taking her first train ride on one trip and her first flight on the other.
While staying at Dove Healthcare - Osseo, Mary wants all her visitors to know that she enjoyed their company; it made her time at the end of her life more peaceful.
Mary will be dearly missed by her children: Kim Marie (Garrett) Shaw, Dawn Ann Daffinson, Daniel James (Brittany) Knudtson, and Kelly Jean (Brian) Schwoch, all of Osseo; eight grandchildren: Heather Marie (Chris), James Lee (Hailey), Joseph Allen (Jessie), Joshua Thomas (Allie), Dakota Jean (Shane), Robert James “RJ” (Megan), Brayden James, and Blake Nicholas; 12 great-grandchildren: Braxton, Jerome, Kaynia, Oscar, Oliver, Serenity, Ameila, Jaxon, Croix, Knox, Maclairyn, and Everett; sister Beverly Klevgard-Noggle; sisters-in-law Judy Knudtson and Anna Mae (Elmer) Rud of Osseo, WI, Goldeen Knudtson of Eau Claire, WI, and Nancy Jardine of Mondovi, WI; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Archie & Ella (Solfest) Klevgard, in-laws, Milford and Virginia Knudtson, brothers LaVerne, Jerome, Duane Klevgard, sisters Lemay (Adriel) Norberg, Ruth Klevgard, and Elaine Norberg, as well as nephew, Jason Klevgard, and niece, Debbie Norberg.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Dove Healthcare – Osseo and Interim Hospice.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 3rd, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta, WI. Funeral services will take place Thursday, June 4th, at 11 a.m. at Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service (10 a.m.). Burial will follow at Thompson Valley Cemetery in rural Augusta.
Mary’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She lived with strength, grace, and a steady conviction that carried her and her family through both joy and hardship. Mary led by example, showing those around her the value of hard work, compassion, and the importance of family. She will be remembered for her never-ending love.
Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com
