Kenneth F. Knutson

Kenneth (Kenny) Fossum Knutson, 85, died on Friday, May 21, 2010, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls after suffering a stroke. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 25, at 10:00 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, Hurley, with burial and military honors at the Hurley Cemetery. Visitation will begin at noon Monday at the Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Chapel, Hurley, with family present from 6-8 p.m. Kenny was born November 5, 1924, at the family farm near Center Point, SD, to Clarence and Ella (Fossum) Knutson. His family farmed in Turner County, and he graduated in 1942 from Hurley High School. Immediately following high school, Kenny started his farming career. In 1945 he began a brief stint in the Army, serving his country in Germany at the end of World War II. Kenny married Muriel Farrar on November 26, 1947, and they farmed near Hurley until they retired to Sioux Falls in 2002. He was a member of the American Legion and Bethany Lutheran Church in Hurley. Kenny also held leadership positions with the Hurley Township Board and Bethany Cemetery Board. Always with a smile and a Norwegian joke to share, Kenny was known for his friendly and compassionate nature. He liked nothing more than having a light-hearted conversation with friends and family over a cup of coffee. Kenny and Muriel were avid supporters of their children and grandchildren, whether being their biggest fans at school and athletic events or always being willing to lend a supportive ear. A baseball fan, he spent many hours watching his favorite team, the Minnesota Twins. Kenny also loved music, both performing and listening. He sang bass in the church choir for many years, and he enjoyed listening to both country and barbershop music. Kenny was passionate about agriculture and remained active on the family farm to the very end. Grateful for having shared his life are his children: Janet (John) Haines, Sioux Falls; Russ (Donna) Knutson, Harrisburg, SD; and Sherry (John Hammer) Knutson, Sioux Falls; his sister, Onalee Kleven, Benson, MN; his sister-in-law, Shirley Moline, Sioux Falls; his dear friend, Avis Christensen and her family, Viborg, SD; 4 grandchildren, Michelle Verhey, Tea, SD; Mark (Michelle) Haines, Sioux Falls; Emily (Brent) Bartels, Parker, SD; and Eric (Jaime) Knutson, Sioux Falls. He is also survived by 7 great-grandchildren and 8 nieces and nephews. Kenny was preceded in death by his wife, Muriel, in 2006; his parents; and a sister, Eleanor.