Van Knutson of Sturtevant passed away peacefully on the evening of April 13, 2026, age 70, while holding the hand of the love of his life, Karen. He spent his final week at Angel’s Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc and enjoyed many visits with family and friends.

As a great man of science, Van never stopped questioning the world around him, often seeking answers in places where others failed to look. Simply put, he was brilliant. 

Van grew up with his brother, Todd, on Apache Trail in Brookfield, where he attended Brookfield Central and was a star football kicker for the Lancers (class of 1973). Post high school, Van chose to pursue a career as a Pharmacist and attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison. It was while working as a Pharmacist that he spotted a beautiful X-Ray Tech, Karen Veres, at the hospital cafeteria. Months later they were married in August 1981. Early in their marriage, they moved to Atlanta, where Van studied to get his Pharm-D at the Mercer College of Pharmacy.

Van’s second career was teaching. It was here where he was able to share his love of learning with his students. He was a beloved science teacher at the Mack Center and some of his proudest memories were connecting with students who were often overlooked.

After retiring from teaching, Van’s third act was security. He had many stories to tell about working at the Summer Fest main stage with his brother, Todd. They shared a love for music and would rock out in Todd’s “man cave.” Van met his good friend, Jim, working at G4S in Libertyville, where he retired in 2022. 

Van enjoyed visiting his daughter in the many cities she lived post high school. Jessica and her husband, Nestor Anguiano, settled in Carmel, Indiana, where they are raising Leo (9), Evie (4) and Sophie (2). Leo shared a love of baseball with his grandpa and they would play catch together.

In his younger days, Van played softball in Racine. He played a mean third baseman. He could pull hit, run the bases quicker than expected and do a textbook perfect slide to win the game. Softball is where he met his best friend, Lenny. Together, they played top league ball and formed a lifelong friendship. Although, playing ball with Jessica was one of Van’s greatest joys.

Van was the league commissioner for the Ice Men fantasy football league. He would write witty recaps of the games. Van enjoyed league bowling at Castle Lanes and Lanes on 20 for many seasons. Hobbies aside, what Van enjoyed the most was a pancake brunch with Karen at Martha’s, watching movies or going to baseball games. They would often be spotted holding hands.

Van was a beloved brother-in-law to Terry Knutson, Randy and Sue Veres, Ken and Cis Veres, Jim and Rose Veres. He was an uncle who did his best to remember the birthdays of his many nieces and nephews.

Van will always be remembered for his very long winded answers to science related questions. He enjoyed driving a manual transmission Mazda while sipping on an iced Panera tea. We’ll always imagine him saying, “most experiments fail” one more time. We couldn’t have asked for a better husband/father/brother/grandfather or friend and will miss Van everyday. Van’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Please join us to celebrate Van at Buckets Pub on Lathrop from noon-4pm on Saturday, June 6th.