Lorraine S. Knutson, of Cincinnati, Ohio, died on October 4, 2008, at age 86. Mrs. Knutson was born to Joe and Mary Schefsick October 29, 1921, on the family farm in Dorchester, Wis. She was their only child. At age 8, she moved with her family to Chippewa Falls, Wis. Mrs. Knutson finished high school in three years and went onto the University of Wisconsin, graduating in home economics and retailing in 1942. She worked at the headquarters of former retailer Montgomery Ward in Chicago, establishing its training program for retail employees. Inspired by a radio interview she conducted with Hollywood star Buddy Ebsen, she enlisted in the women's branch of the U.S. Navy in World War II, the WAVES, attaining the rank of lieutenant senior grade and serving in the Navy Code Room in Washington, D.C., encoding and decoding messages to and from ships at sea, from 1943 to 1945. Immediately after the war, she returned to her job at Wards. In 1948, she married Chicago lawyer Walter C. Knutson. In 1952, they moved to Wheaton, Ill., where they raised their family. Mrs. Knutson is survived by her daughter Carol (Tom) Siedell of Baltimore, Md.; Ted Knutson of Washington; another daughter, Nancy (Rob) Porter, of Cincinnati; and two grandsons, Eric Porter and Scott Porter. Her husband preceded her in death in 1985. From 1986 to 2001, Mrs. Knutson worked as a personal banker at the former Bank of Wheaton/NBD (now Chase). Mrs. Knutson was a remarkable friend and excelled at sewing and needlework of all kinds. She was an active volunteer in Wheaton schools, Girl Scouts, and Central DuPage Hospital. Her cooking was legendary, particularly her baking. She was an avid bridge player. A memorial service will be held at in Cincinnati on Wednesday, October 8 at 2 P.M. at Gilligan Funeral Home, 8225 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Fr. Pete's Mary Magdalene House, Hospice of Cincinnati, or the charity of one's choice.

Service

Wednesday, October 8, 2008 2:00 PM Gilligan Funeral Home 3734 Eastern Avenue Cincinnati 45226, United States