Renee Carla Knutson

In Loving Memory of Renee Carla Knutson

Renee Carla Knutson (Bloom), 71, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born January 17, 1955, in Mondovi, Wisconsin, to Mavis and Gilbert Bloom, and grew up in International Falls, Minnesota.

Renee lived a life full of adventure, determination, family, and plenty of stories. In her younger years, she had an adventurous spirit and would hitchhike her way around, sometimes showing up unexpectedly at her family’s doorstep in Mondovi, Wisconsin. That independent and determined spirit stayed with her throughout her entire life.

In her early years, Renee worked as a waitress before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Later, she began providing babysitting and daycare for families in the small town of Potwin, caring for many children in the community. She went on to work at Wheat State Manor in both the dietary and laundry departments and held other jobs such as a school custodian, custodial services at the ElDorado YMCA, and nutrition services at the Eldorado correctional facility. Renee was never afraid of hard work and was always willing to find a way to take care of her family and those around her.

Renee enjoyed fishing, reading, crossword puzzles, and wandering through antique stores.  She had an extensive collection of hair received. Renee had a particular talent for figuring things out and fixing what was broken. Long before the days of Google, YouTube, and online tutorials, Renee had her trusty fix-it book—and she was determined to prove that there wasn’t much she couldn’t fix herself.

She was known for her northern Minnesota accent and her classic “Uffda!” She would confidently proclaim, “I know everything, and I’m always right.” And, much to everyone’s amusement, she often was. Renee was strong-willed, independent, resourceful, and never afraid to speak her mind. Her personality, humor, and one-of-a-kind way of looking at life will be deeply missed.

Renee’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children, Kai (Sarah) Bloom of Westmoreland and Ria (Dwight) Knutson-Carley of Wamego; her grandchildren, Dylan (Brianna) Bloom of Wamego and their son, her great-grandson, Nohl Bloom; Katelyn (Josh) Priddle of Manhattan; Taylor Bloom of Westmoreland; and Zayden Carley of Wamego. She was also blessed with bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Courtney (Tanner) Robbins, their children Rayleigh, Aubrey, Dani, and Mattie Mae Dean; Dalton (Devinee) Carley, their children Dreyson and Daxton.

She is also survived by her siblings, Kathy Crawford, Sue Tiegs, Bob (Elaine) Rud, Carol (Mark) McDonough, Sonja (Jim) Kamla, and Rodney (Vicki) Bloom, all of Mondovi, Wisconsin, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will carry her memory in their hearts.

Renee was preceded in passing by her mother, Mavis (Christopherson) Bloom; her father, Gilbert Bloom; her stepmother, Wilma Bloom; and her brothers, Clinton Bloom, Steve Bloom, and Joel Bloom.

As Renee’s health declined, she spoke about being ready to “turn her page,” knowing that this chapter of her life had come to an end. During her final weeks in the hospital, she was surrounded by her son, daughter, and their families, who filled those days with love and cherished moments. On August 6, that page turned peacefully, with her son and daughter by her side, holding her hands as she took her final breath.

During those final weeks, Renee was also blessed to have her longtime friend, Sue Wallin, by her side. Renee and Sue shared many laughs and reminisced about the countless times their families spent together, from their years in Arizona to their lives in Kansas, and all the special memories they made along the way. Their friendship was a special part of Renee’s life, and having Sue there during those last days brought comfort not only to Renee, but also to Kai and Ria and their families.

The family is forever grateful to Sue for being there, for the laughter and memories she shared with Renee, and for the love and comfort she gave all of them during such a difficult and precious time.

Although her story here has ended, the pages she filled with laughter, stubborn determination, adventure, love, and family will continue through the generations she leaves behind.

Her chapter may have ended, but her story is far from over.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life for Renee will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Sioux Cabin in the River Pond area of Tuttle Creek Lake. Family and friends are invited to come and go between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. and spend the day celebrating Renee in a place she would have loved.

Bring your fishing pole, share a story, laugh, reminisce, and help us fill the day with the memories and moments that made Renee so special.