Linda Marie Knutson, age 60, of Blooming Prairie, died Thursday Jan. 12, 2012, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

She was born Oct. 1, 1951, in Blooming Prairie to Merlin and Evelyn (Madson) Madsen. She grew up in Blooming Prairie, graduating from high school there in 1969. Linda then attended Mankato State University for three years.

On Nov. 16, 1974, she married Arlen Knutson at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. The couple made their home in rural Blooming Prairie, where they lived for 37 years. They had three children and Linda was a stay-at-home mom until 1986, when she pursued a career at Federated Insurance in Owatonna. She worked at Federated for 25 years and enjoyed her work and co-workers.

She loved being a Mom more than anything. Linda was a member of First Lutheran Church and enjoyed many activities. Her favorites were gardening, bird watching, crocheting, boating, baking, and visiting with friends, family and grandchildren. She liked to stay busy.

Survivors include one daughter: Rachel Marie Knutson, Blooming Prairie; two sons: Christopher Ray Knutson (Crystal Duke), Chicago, Ill. and Eric Scott Knutson, Rochester; two granddaughters: Hannah and Abigail Knutson; brother: Dale Madsen of Blooming Prairie; sisters: Diane (Paul) Stollard, Geneva and Jeanne Madsen, Barnesville; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Merlin and Evelyn Madsen; husband, Arlen on Oct. 4, 2010; brother Steven Madsen; sister-in-law Cindy Madsen; brothers-in-law Randy Krupicka and Duane Herzog.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, with Pastors Charles Leonard and Heidi Heimgartner officiating. Visitation will be held at Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, and one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in Westfield Lutheran Cemetery, Blooming Prairie.

The family prefers memorials to the Westfield Cemetery Restoration. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.