Donis Kathleen Knutsen

Donis Kathleen Rasmussen Knutsen, age 95, of Ankeny, passed away on January 22, 2026, at Mercy One in Des Moines. She was a resident of Millpond Senior Living, where she spent her later years surrounded by care and community.

Donis was born January 24th, 1930, in Audubon, Iowa, to John Rasmussen and Augusta Marne Haahr Rasmussen. She graduated from Audubon High School and also attended Dana College in Nebraska for a short time. She grew up with her parents and four sisters with the strong Christian values of family and hard work that guided her throughout her life. Donis was very proud of her Danish heritage.

She married Maurice Knutsen on December 7, 1949. She and Maurice were blessed with four daughters: Kathleen Knutsen, Maureen Sharp (Bill), Laurie Knutsen (Rick Capehart), and Sara Wright (Jim). She was also a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy.

In their early years, Donis and Maurice actively farmed near Brayton, Iowa for more than 20 years. As a farm wife and mother, Donis worked tirelessly — canning food from the garden, butchering chickens, and sewing countless numbers of clothes for her daughters.

In 1972, the family moved to Iowa City, where Donis worked for many years at the University of Iowa Hospital as a patient billing representative. Her compassionate nature and steady presence made her especially suited to supporting patients and families. In 1999, she and Maurice continued their retirement in Ankeny, where Donis enjoyed time being closer to her daughters and extended family.

Donis had a special love for the Iowa Hawkeyes, faithfully following basketball and football. Whether attending games in person or cheering from home, she rarely missed a chance to watch her teams play.

As a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Donis enjoyed the ladies quilting, the Paint, Pound and Praise group as well as Willing Workers. Her church life was always an important aspect of her being.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice Knutsen, and her four sisters, Ruth Petersen, Elsie Brown, Norma Smith, and Esther Preston.

Donis will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, hardworking farm wife, and as a compassionate caregiver. Her life was marked by resilience, generosity, and love for her family. She will be missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 517 Des Moines St. Ankeny, Iowa on Monday, February 2, 2026. Visitation with the family will take place at 9:00 am and the funeral will be held at 10:00 am. Burial will be at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery, near Brayton, Iowa.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Donis will be given to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Millpond Senior Living or Oak Hill Cemetery in Brayton, Iowa. Memorials may be sent to - 514 SW Walnut, Ankeny, Iowa 50023

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left at www.ankenyfuneralhome.com for the Knutsen family