Carl W. Knutilla

WOODSTOCK, Ill. - Carl W. Knutilla, 75, of McHenry, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at JourneyCare in Woodstock surrounded by his loving family.

He was born March 9, 1940, in Ironwood, Mich., to Carl and Signe (Erickson) Knutilla. On June 25, 1966, he married Marlene Ann Lane at Wakefield United Methodist Church in Wakefield, Mich.

Raised and educated in Michigan, Carl then served his country in the U.S. Army. He successfully completed courses at the U.S. Army Aviation School in aircraft maintenance, helicopter mechanic crew training, field maintenance instruction, commanders' CBR course and the single rotor helicopter maintenance course. In addition, Carl received sharpshooter qualification badges for rifle and carbine.

Following his honorable discharge from military service in 1964, Carl attended school in Milwaukee to study computers, and then worked at Harnischfeger Industries. Later, he was employed at Allstate Insurance for 25 years as manager of telecommunications. Upon retirement from Allstate, Carl fulfilled a dream of traveling the United States with his wife in their RV. They particularly enjoyed beautiful scenery traveling throughout the Western states. Other hobbies during his lifetime included making projects using wood turning, working in the yard and gardening, spending time up north in the summertime in the RV, and puttering around the house.

An extremely loyal and dedicated Green Bay Packers fan and stockholder, he always admired the team's relationship with their fans and their fan's dedication to the team. Carl also enjoyed following the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago White Sox. While his sons were growing up, Carl also served as coach for their Little League and soccer teams, as well as den leader for Cub Scout Pack 131.

Carl was a longtime member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in McHenry.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Marlene; three children, Lisa (Bill) Tate, of Burlington, Wis., Craig Knutilla, of Chicago and Kevin (Jennifer) Knutilla, of Johnsburg; five grandchildren, Kyle, Ryan and Emily Tate, and Samantha and Sarah Knutilla; two brothers, Robert (Shirlie) Knutilla, of Albuquerque, N.M., and Marvin (Ruthie) Knutilla, of Lincoln; and a sister, Joanne (Jay) Badovski, of Neosha, Wis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Don (the late Jean) Knutilla.

A memorial service and celebration of Carl's life is being planned for Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016.

For those wishing to send an expression of sympathy, his family suggests memorials to Mayo Clinic-Department of Development, MSA Research, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, or donations may be given on-line through Give Now link on the Mayo Clinic website at mayoclinic.org.

For information, please call Justen Funeral Home & Crematory at 815-385-2400, or visit justenfh.com where friends may leave an on-line condolence message for his family.