Dorothy Ann Knutson Johnson, 97, of Rockford, IL,went home to be with her loved ones in heaven, peacefully on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at sunrise.Born August 1, 1924, to Eric and Astaisa "Lillian" (Snyder) Oscarson of Rockford, IL. Dorothy was the oldest of five children. She took up her role as first-born with enthusiasm and could be found most days at the side of her father helping with chores and caretaking for her siblings.In 1944, at the tender age of 20, she married Harold Knutson, a navy sailor with a big personality and a passion for flipping houses. Over the course of their marriage, they bought, moved into, remodeled, and sold 8 homes all while raising four kids. Dorothy served as Harold's Chief of Design, painting and decorating each home with care and precision. (And if you ask her kids, their talented mother was the key to their dad's success.)

Dorothy was a gifted nurturer. She cooked mouth-watering meals, tailored dresses to perfection, and mended all wounds–big and small. Dorothy lived her life from a place of service and gratitude. She instilled in her children the importance of a strong work ethic, living kindly…and always having a good iron.

In 1981, Harold passed away. Seven years later, Dorothy remarried Richard Johnson. She spent her later years tending to her garden, canning vegetables, and entertaining her grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Dorothy spent her entire life caring for others. It was her God-given gift. If you ever had the pleasure of spending time with Dorothy, it's certain that you were well-fed, hydrated, warm, and most importantly, loved.

Dorothy is survived by her brother, Eric Oscarson; son, Robert (Jean) Knutson; daughters, Phyllis Karr, Carol (Duane) Barker, and Diana Johnson; stepchildren, David (Debbie) Johnson, Mark (Mary) Johnson, and Jenny (Tom) Roland; 10 grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold; second husband, Richard; brother, Andrew (Jane) Oscarson; sisters, Betty (James) Reynolds, and Sadie (Butch) Behnke; and son-in-law, Doug Karr.

The funeral service for Dorothy will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL. There will be a visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Rev. David Glick will officiate. Burial will follow at Highland Garden of Memories. To light a candle or share a condolence, please visitwww.andersonfcs.com.