Gail Ann Knutson

Gail Knutson passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at home in Anchorage, Alaska, at the age of 85. She was a loved mother, wife and lifelong educator in the Anchorage school system.

Gail was born in Rhode Island in 1939, to Lester Goodwin and Hope Goodwin. She attended the University of Rhode Island and obtained master's degrees in primary and secondary education. She started her teaching career in Illinois, moving to Panama and California, teaching in all locations. She had a special love of English, speech, forensics and debate, working with teams across her positions and travels. She eventually settled in Alaska, and was a teacher in the Anchorage School District at Arcturus Jr. High, Bartlett, King Career Center and West. She became a principal but ended that work after missing her students and the joy she found in teaching. She was a longtime debate and forensics coach of her beloved West High students. She eventually retired from the District, but immediately returned to teaching with various local civic programs in both elementary and secondary programs at Chinook Elementary, Dimond and West. In eventual final retirement, Gail's greatest joy was in daily care and teaching of her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Knutson; and parents, Lester and Hope. She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Graves (Wayne Goetz); grandchildren, Alexander Goetz and Nicholas Goetz; brother, Ken Goodwin (Carol Goodwin) and family; stepdaughter, Joelynn Knutson Schroeder; and stepgranddaughter, Willow Schroeder.

Gail thanks the numerous hospice workers who helped care for her husband during his prior passing, and their care in checking in and taking care of her after his loss. She gives love to her special family Jesse, Veronica and Aaron, and many friends, and thanks you for all your help and love. She elected a private family memorial but in her remembrance, any donation to Hospice of Anchorage, 2612 E Northern Lights Boulevard, Anchorage, AK 99508, 907-561-5322, is greatly appreciated.