Lin Knutson

Lin Knutson, born October 18th, 1951, in Chicago IL, to Orville and Laverne Knutson, left this world a quieter place in Benoit, MS on January 31st, 2025. Lin, a cherished sister, aunt, friend, educator, and social justice champion, dedicated her life to educating, advocating, and inspiring those around her.

Lin can be described as a warrior. A wild and restless spirit, with a gift for storytelling and a contagious laugh. In life, she let herself be called by curiosity and with a desire to make the world a better place, she chose education as her pathway to progress. From 1973 to 2025, Lin taught in various capacities, starting at the Crow Reservation in Montana; Dubuque, Iowa High School; and ultimately serving as a professor in the English Department at Mississippi Valley State University. Her commitment to education pushed beyond the standard curriculum; Lin specialized in studying minority and indigenous literature, with a particular focus on Native American voices. 

In her work, she instilled a love for writing in her students, empowering them to find their own voices. Lin achieved her bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University, Master’s degrees from Loras College and Marquette University, and her PhD in English from the University of Iowa. Her academic achievements and contributions were just a part of her legacy; she consistently stood up for equity and inclusivity. Lin championed the world for peace and women’s rights, constantly fighting for causes she believed in.

Lin believed in the power of words, both spoken and written. She loved her family, teaching, writing, storytelling, singing in her church choir, camping, meditating, and yoga. She saw opportunities for personal growth as an adventure which knew no bounds. Her curiosity carried and connected her across vast varieties of culture, music, literature, languages, beliefs systems, and ways of being in this world. She was a light that burned bright, a gift treasured by those she loved. 

Lin was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and LaVerne Knutson, and her brother, Tim Knutson. She will be remembered fondly by her surviving family members: her sisters, Karen Knutson and Ellen Montgomery; her brothers, Tom and Eric Knutson; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom hope to carry forward her legacy of compassion, dedication, and curiosity. 

As we remember Lin Knutson, we celebrate a life beautifully lived, filled with passion and the pursuit of justice. She touched many lives and will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of crossing her path.