Cornelia F Knutson

Cornelia “Cornie” F. Knutson at 87 of Lawler died Friday, October 17, 2025 at MercyOne Medical Center in New Hampton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 24, 2025 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler.  Interment will follow at Jerico Lutheran Cemetery in Jerico.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton where there will be a 7:00 p.m. sharing of memories.  Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass on Friday at the church.

Cornie was born on January 23, 1938, in rural Howard County, Iowa, the daughter of Edward and Florence (Puffer) Pecinovsky. She grew up south of Schley and attended rural country schools. From a young age, Cornie was a true farm girl—helping her parents milk cows, care for animals, and tend to the crops. She enjoyed being outdoors and was never afraid of hard work, a quality that defined her throughout her life.

In her younger years, Cornie became very musically inclined and was a member of a five-piece band called The Midnight Ramblers. She played the accordion, drums, and even sang.  She could do it all when it came to music, including playing the piano.  While babysitting for a neighbor, she met Gene Knutson who could also play a tune or two himself on his guitar and the two quickly became smitten with each other.  Cornie and Gene were married on November 27, 1956 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin.  Together they raised four daughters, Mary, Julie, Laurie and Sherry.

Music remained an important part of their lives and they later became members of two bands, The Swinging K’s and The Temporary Three, playing classic country music in the surrounding area dance halls and bars.

Cornie spent many hours working on the farm along with owning and operating Cornie’s Corner in Jerico for a combined 15 years, serving friends and neighbors.  She sold the business on January 1, 1984 and began working at Sara Lee until its closing.  She continued to work part time cleaning at Security Bank until she fully retired.

Outside of work, Cornie was devoted to sewing.  She created many artsy items for all the seasons, but quilting was her true passion making numerous quilts through the years.  One particular hand-made piece she designed was made in honor of her great-grandson, Arlo Brown, which was donated to raise funds for the Kindness Square Inclusive Playground.  Grandma Cornie fretted that her quilt was going on the auction and wouldn’t bring over $200.  Much to her surprise, the quilt was sold three times and became one of the highest selling items of the evening.  Tears flowed from her eyes and many others, knowing that it remained in the family. Besides sewing, she loved to garden, can jellies and salsa, along with being an incredible cook and baker.

Cornie loved animals, especially her dogs and cats, and she always made sure her pets were well cared for. Above all else, her family meant the world to her—especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy and pride.

Cornie’s hardworking spirit, musical talent, and deep love for family and community will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.

Cornie is survived by four daughters, Mary (Richard Peterson) Knutson of Lyle, MN, Julie (Mike Toussaint) Bohr of Sumner, Laurie (Ron) Leibold of Lawler, Sherry (Todd) Grober of Alta Vista; twelve grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren with one on the way; three great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Donnie (Delores) Knutson of Jerico; sister-in-law, Alona Knutson of New Hampton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Gene in 1996; one great-grandson Abel Attleson; one brother Larry (Clara) Pecinovsky.