Emil Conrad Knutson

Emil Conrad Knutson of Medford, Oregon was promoted unto glory November 2, 2020 while at Jacksonville Home Care after a valiant battle with Parkinson's. Emil was born April 3, 1933 in East Grand Forks, Minnesota to Emil S. and Frances Knutson in the same house his father was born in. He is the third of six sons. The family moved to Medford in 1947; Emil graduated from St. Mary's Academy in 1951.
Having sat by his father, an accomplished artist, he started painting at the age of 5. Emil stated, "One day my father placed a panel on a small easel next to his, gave me a brush and paint and told me to do as he did…a flame was lit in me that has become a driving force in my life". He would continue to paint, design, illustrate, and create all his life. Emil was the artist to illustrate the first St. Mary's yearbook, the "Lance".
At age 12 Emil went to work at Walt Young's Stationery where he developed a work ethic exercised throughout his life. His talent, his gift from the Lord, surfaced always, even while serving in the Navy. Emil and his older brother, George, joined together in June of 1951. He served as Quartermaster 2nd Class Signalman aboard the U.S.S. Estes during the Korean War and in 1952 participated in the first full scale test of a thermonuclear device in the Pacific Proving Grounds. Operation "Ivy Mike" took place November 1, 1952 and Operation "King" followed two weeks later. Serving 4 years active duty, Emil returned to Medford going to work at Johnny's Sign Shop as a sign painter apprentice. Following another 4 years in inactive duty, he was honorably discharged.
While working at Johnny's, Emil met Patricia Pinniger who summered in Medford from Willamette U. to work as secretary for Johnny's. Emil and Pat were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church December 28, 1956.
Emil worked for Johnny's (Federal Signs & Signal) over 21 years when he took a leap of faith to start his own sign business while continuing his oil painting, specializing in portraits known as Emil C. Knutson "Original Oil Paintings". His portraits, murals, sea and landscapes have been displayed in art shows and publications for over 50 years along the west coast. Emil could tell a story with genuine sentiment using soft tones and color values capturing our emotions. His use of brilliant light and shadow patterned with rich colors and dramatic lighting work together to bring each subject alive.
As a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the parents and grandparents of children attending Sacred Heart Elementary, St. Mary's High School and South Medford, Emil spent his years repairing and painting, designing, and illustrating throughout the community. For the church, he painted murals, repaired and painted the stations of the cross, numerous statues and figurines. He helped design the altar and baptismal pool and carved and painted the crucifix above the alter. His work would include local school mascots, i.e., the Crusader, the Knight, the Panther, the Hornet, and the Bulldog. Other work is seen throughout the valley at Asante Medical Ctr., Providence, Porters, Far East, Habeneros, and the Pioneer Club, to name a few. Emil participated in the Pear Blossom assisting local high schools, Art in Bloom, providing remarkable caricatures from smudge pots, donating time and energy while sharing his creative genius.
Thanks to Emil's work ethics, he was able to combine his art with his home life. He and Pat raised seven children, three sons and four daughters, requiring several years as Scoutmaster for Troop 1 while Pat was Den Mother for the Cub Scouts. Year after year, Emil would take time for week-long "50 milers", numerous campouts, and Jamborees. Throughout the years, Emil and Pat enjoyed family outings to the Oregon coast and lakes, often with detours through Grants Pass and Roseburg, while inviting cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and even strangers. "The More, The Merrier" was often stated. The "Knute" mobile was enjoyed by many as transport to the endless sporting events and school functions.
Emil and Pat dedicated their lives to God, to family, and to others, opening their house and their home for their nieces, grandchildren, exchange students, and to those who would need family and security for a season. They lived by 1 John 4:11, "Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another", demonstrating God's "Golden Rule".
Emil is survived by his wife, Patricia of over 63 years; his children, Stephen, Anna Lee (Duke Richardson), Cliff, Ken (Rebecca), Norma (Rick McInnis), Karin (John Prince), and Kolleen (Bryan Bankey); twenty one grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parent and his 5 brothers, Aundre, Richard, Gene and George Knutson, and John Kosmatka.
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