Born: 08/26/1924
Inducted: 10/26/2002
Not long after he started his first aircraft
restoration project in 1967, Richard W. "Dick" Knutson
became the "go-to" guy for fellow restorers throughout
Wisconsin and beyond. In the years since, Knutson has restored
twenty-two airplanes, from a Piper J-3 and Tri-Pacer to a Stinson
108-1 and a 7AC Aeronca Champ.
He began flying at Baraboo in 1952 but soon felt
the need for an airport closer to his home near Lodi. With the help
from a few friends and an obliging farm landowner, Knutson then
started what became the Lodi Airport, recognized as one of the
finest turf runway airports in Wisconsin.
A
chiropractor who practiced until 1986, Knutson is best known for his
expertise as an aircraft restorer, mentor and inspiration to other
men and women who build, refurbish and restore the aircraft they
fly.
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