Bernard “Chummy” Lloyd Knutson, Jr. age 93, of Niagara, passed away Monday, November 16, 2015, at Bay Area Medical Center in Marinette after a brief illness.

He was born September 23, 1922, in Niagara, to Bernard and Cynthia (Perkins) Knutson.

Chummy graduated from Niagara High School, Class of 1940. He married the girl who lived across the street and his high school sweetheart, Joyce Laurent on January 6, 1945. Chummy and Joyce were life-long residents of Niagara and members of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1942, and served as a flight navigator during WWII. Chummy continued his service to the country in the US Air Force Reserves and received an honorable discharge in 1968, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel.

He was employed at Niagara’s paper mill originally part of Kimberly Clark and retired from the mill under the name New Page. Chummy began his career working on the paper machines and was accepted into the Junior Trades Program where he became a certified machinist. To augment their income, Chummy and Joyce operated a small farm in Niagara where they produced dairy and beef products. He continued his mechanical interests at home, periodically repairing a vehicle, tractor, or building a home addition.

Chummy enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family at their lake home in Spread Eagle. He and Joyce traveled extensively, visiting several European countries, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and a majority of the United States.

He is survived by two sons, Ron (Monica Craig) Knutson, Tacoma, Wash., Thomas (Christy) Knutson, Crivitz, Wis.; one daughter, Sherry Knutson, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Tracy (Scott) Ocel, Lisa (Ryan) Fonder, and Julie (David) Pusick; six great-grandchildren, Madeline, Lauren, Gavin, Landon, Courtney, and Grant, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Chummy was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Cynthia; his loving wife, Joyce, and his sister, Cornelia “Tula” Mickelson.

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 5, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Niagara. Rev. Fr. Matt Settle will officiate. The Funeral Mass will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the church.

Memorials can be made to Niagara Senior Citizens LTD (Senior Center) 569 Washington Ave,
Niagara, WI 54151

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Chummy’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Niagara Chapel to honor Chummy’s Legacy of Life.