Obituary of Eric Knutsen

Eric Alan Knutsen, 55,of Bristol, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 10, at his home. The son of Alan Knutsen and the late Beverly Havel Knutsen, Eric grew up in Antioch, IL. Upon graduating from high school he attended Trinity International University for several years before graduating from U W Parkside with a degree in computer engineering. Several years later he was employed by the Waukegan Park District where he served as their Communications Manager for over 30 years. Family and friends meant everything to Eric and he always found time to spend with loved ones, despite an overwhelming workload. His signature trait was he always put others before himself, and his selflessness and compassion was nothing short of amazing. Eric always wore a shining smile and his heart was full of helpful actions and loving conversation, and he led by example how it is always better to give than to receive. His willingness to offer his time and resources to help others drew a distinct image of the God he chose to model his life after. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Eric benefitted from their time together. Despite his tragic death, Eric's family firmly believes in Gods sovereign plan. We strongly feel that Eric would not wish any of us to grieve his loss, but rather to use his example to draw others to the light he strove to follow. Eric had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and that was what gave him the desire to be so loving and helpful. Even as you read this, Eric is in heaven he is walking hand and hand with his creator on streets of gold. He is happy and pain free, smiling down on his loved ones. We know Eric's wish would not be to mourn his passing, but to use it to meet his God, Eric is not really gone, he was summoned by our King, and we look forward to meeting him in paradise when it is our time to go. Survivors include his beloved wife of 26 years, Nancy Kay Knutsen,( Burkey); his daughter, Erica (Matthew) Hipper; and their son Adam, whom Eric adored ; his father, Alan Knutsen; brothers, Conrad (Sloan), Brad, and Calvin; his sister, Kary; sister-in-law, Lynn (Neal) Harrison; brother -in-law, Paul (Alisa) Burkey; along with nieces, nephews and extended family. Eric was preceded in death by his mother, Beverly Havel Knutsen; father-in-law and mother-in- law, Gerald R. and Annette Burkey; and brother-in-law, Jerry Burkey. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 18, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Dr., Zion, with Pastor Ken Langley, officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 17, 2012, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion. For those who wish to share their memories of this loving man, there will be an open microphone from 6:00-7:00. A portion of all donations in Eric's honor will be donated to the Christ Community Church Benevolence Fund or Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.