John Lynn Knutson

John Lynn Knutson, 70, of Willmar, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 under hospice care at Courage Cottage in Morris, Minnesota.  A private, family interment will be held at the Benson City Cemetery.  In lieu of cards and flowers, memorials preferred to Stevens Community Medical Center Courage Cottage of Morris.

John Lynn Knutson was born on July 12, 1950 in Benson, the son of LeRoy and Lorna (Ahrndt) Knutson.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson.  He grew up on Pleasant Hills Farm near Danvers, Minnesota and graduated from Benson High School in 1968.   He attended Willmar Vocational Technical School and  served 8 years in the Army National Guard in Benson.

John married Dorothy Tatge on May 29, 1971 at United Presbyterian Church in Benson and was blessed with a daughter Kristen and son Shawn.  John farmed with his father at Pleasant Hills Farm and worked at the Benson Produce, then moved to Willmar where he worked for over 40 years at West Central Steel until he retired, and finally for Haug Implement Company/John Deere in Willmar for several years in retirement.

John was an avid sports fan and played basketball and baseball for Benson High School.  He was very active and accomplished participating for many years in softball, volleyball and bowling leagues in Willmar winning many individual and team awards, plaques and trophies.  He enjoyed following and attending many games of all of the Minnesota sports teams (high school, college and professional) including the Benson Braves, Willmar Cardinals, Minnesota Gophers football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball and especially volleyball as well as the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves and he loved the Lynx.

John is survived by his two children:  Kristen (Kevin Larson) Knutson of Willmar; Shawn Knutson of Sauk Centre; six grandchildren: Philip Knutson; Logan Larson; Samantha (Gage) Birch; Alex Knutson; Emely Knutson; and Keli Knutson; two great grandchildren: Silas and Oliver Birch; two brothers Jerry Knutson of Minneapolis, MN, and Jim (Nancy) Knutson of Maple Grove, MN, and sister Linda (Terry Toma) Knutson of Hancock, MN.

Preceding him in death were his parents, LeRoy and Lorna Knutson. Blessed be his memory.

The family would like to extend special gratitude to all of the doctors, nurses, and staff at Willmar Carris Health-Rice Memorial Hospital, Willmar Carris Health Cancer Center, Stevens Community Medical Center Courage Cottage and Knute Nelson Hospice in Morris, Minnesota for their professional and compassionate care and support for John and his family.