Planned giving story: Bob Knutson
Bob Knutson’s family ties to Children’s Minnesota date back to his 1950s childhood, when his father was an anesthesiologist at the St. Paul hospital. His mother, trained as a nurse before she raised a family, was on the hospital board for several years. The recently retired stockbroker was also a patient at the hospital, once for surgery at age 5, and again at 11, when he got thrown from a spooked horse and ended up with a broken leg. Typical for the time, he spent 6 weeks in the hospital, with his leg in traction.
“I like kids. I’m a big fan of kids, especially my own,” said Bob. “I want my kids and grandkids and great grandkids to have good medical care. I put Children’s Minnesota in my estate plan because I think it’s something you ought to do—to have part of your pile go to good causes instead of just giving it to your kids and grandkids.” In addition to the charitable component in his will, every year Bob contributes to the endowed fund his parents established in his mother’s name. The Eleanor Gray Knutson Endowment supports patients and families who need it most end ensures that no child is turned away regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
Just weeks into his retirement, Bob is looking forward to spending more time at his place on Madeline Island in Lake Superior. His plans include plein air painting. “For 50 years I was a stockbroker, but no more. I’ve never tried this before and expect my painting is not going to be so great, but I’m going to dive in just the same. There are so many cool things to paint up there—beautiful rocks and pine trees. It’s beautiful even in the winter and very quiet. I love it up there.”
