Final Salute

Richard “Rick” S. Knutson
Born: April 20, 1980 in Freeport, IL
Died: September 3, 2026 in Dixon, IL
Polo – Richard “Rick” Scott Knutson, 46, of Polo, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2026, at OSF St. Katherine Medical Center in Dixon, Illinois. Rick was born, April 20, 1980, in Freeport, IL, the son of Donald “Steve” and Kathy (Stuff) Knutson.
Rick worked as an engineer at the Byron Nuclear Generating Station for Constellation and, more recently, served as a Nuclear Safety Engineer with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. He was a member of the local VFW, Farm Bureau, Polo School Board and was an Eagle Scout. Rick served in the US Navy for over 26 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. After graduating from the Navy Nuclear Power School, he was stationed aboard the USS Los Angeles (SSN-688) based out of Pearl Harbor, HI. After 6yrs of active duty Rick transitioned to the Navy Reserve while attending Northern Illinois University, earning his Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He received a direct commission to the US Navy Civil Engineer Corps where he served as a SeaBee with the 25th NMCB, including a deployment in Afghanistan.
Survivors include: parents Kathy and Steve Knutson; daughter Annalise Knutson; son Maxwell Knutson; brothers Kenneth (Jana) Knutson of Bottineau, ND and Brett (Nicole) Knutson Oakton, VA; nieces Isla and Emily Knutson, nephews Gray and Niklas Knutson.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Norma and Max Stuff, paternal grandparents Donald and Eunice Knutson and an uncle Lance Stuff.
Services: A visitation will be Tuesday, September 8, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Polo Family Funeral Home, 610 S. Division Ave, Polo.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Polo VFW or Polo FFA.
Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome.com to send condolences.
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Published by Sauk Valley News from Sep. 8 to Sep. 16, 2026.