In Remembrance Carl O. Knutson, MD, FACS 8 / 23 / 1938-2 / 19 / 2026
On Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, Carl began his last great adventure as he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.
Carl was a northern guy, having been born in Waukegan, Illinois on Aug. 23, 1938, and educated in Michigan receiving his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and his medical degree from University of Michigan. After receiving his surgical training at the University of Missouri, he joined the Department of Surgery at UofL in 1972. There, he was one of the first physicians in Louisville to perform flexible endoscopy and during his distinguished career, performed thousands of colonoscopies and upper GI endoscopies. He was a true leader in this field and trained many physicians in this, new at the time, procedure.
In 1980, Carl left his role as teacher at the university and went into his private practice of surgery, primarily at Audubon Hospital. There, he became a staff leader, as well as an excellent surgeon. His care of patients was a standard for all of us to follow.
His love of medicine was perhaps exceeded by his love of boating and the water. During free time, he could be found on his beloved boat“ Olympus” usually anchored off the foot of 12 Mile Island.
Carl was always somewhat of a rebel, and with the changes in medicine, he decided to leave the private practice of surgery in 1990 and continue his surgical career … in the U. S. Navy. Things went well initially as he, with the company of several close friends and sea lovers,
sailed his boat successfully from Louisville to his duty station in San Diego. Anyone who has boated can imagine what a feat and adventure this was. However, his timing was not good as Operation Desert Storm began at that time and instead of a ship’ s surgeon on the high seas, he spent a year in the desert of Saudi Arabia.
After his military service, he and his wife of 36 years, Linda, along with their Bull Mastiff / Rottweiler mix, Sherlock, sailed back to Louisville and lived aboard his boat“ Tesoro” at the foot of 12 Mile Island for a number of years until finally moving to an actual home outside of Elizabeth, Indiana.
In retirement, Carl used his woodworking skills to build large portions of their home which became a beautiful cabin in the country, made model electric trains and enjoyed the ambience of country life.
Carl leaves behind his loving wife Linda, and children: Randy, Laura, Tony, Carrie and Mandy as well as five adoring grandchildren.
The medical community in Louisville was certainly fortunate that this northern guy decided to call Louisville and its surrounding area home. He was a valuable asset and tremendous influence on all fortunate enough to practice with him … he will be missed.
-Albert B. Hoskins III, MD, MACP
Dr. Knutson was a member of GLMS for 54 years. June 2026 29