Richard “Chip” Knutson, 51, of Dubuque, and formerly of Platteville, WI, passed away suddenly Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center.

Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 29, 2011 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Rev. Steve Garner will officiate. Friends may also call Friday, October 28, 2011 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hoffmann-Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

Chip was born August 25, 1960 in Platteville, the son of Harold and Marie (Sudmeier) Knutson. He attended Platteville High School. Chip married Kim Brandel on April 23, 1983.

He was employed for most of his life in all aspects of the automotive industry, and most recently at Expert Tire in Dubuque.

Chip was proud to serve on the Platteville Volunteer Fire Department.

He enjoyed fishing, listening to country and oldies music, and watching Nascar. His pride in his Wisconsin heritage meant he was an avid Packers, Badgers, and Brewers fan. Chip used his mechanical skills to work on his truck often. He loved cookouts and dogs, and had many faithful canine friends over the years. Chip was a devoted family man, and loved to spend time with his kids.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Kim of Dubuque; his children, Katie, Jen, Kyle, and Jessie Knutson, all of Dubuque; his mother, Marie Knutson of Platteville; four siblings, Shelba (Gary) Blackman of Garden Prairie, IL, Jackie (Charles) Chamberlain of Platteville, Jane (Gene) Haney of Platteville, and Steve (Brian) Knutson of Jefferson, WI; his father in law, Harold “Toby” Brandel of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his two sons in infancy, Jeremy and Jacob; his father, Harold; and his mother in law, Virginia Waldbillig Brandel.

Memorials may be made to the Richard “Chip” Knutson Memorial Fund.

Chip’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Dubuque Paramedic Team, and all the staff at Mercy, especially the ER, ICU, Admitting, Dr. Janes, and Dr. Loukinen, for their care and concern for Chip and his family.