Gilford Knutson

Gilford “Butch” Vernell Knutson, 71, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Monday, April 20, 2009, at his home under the care of Lakeland Hospice. He was born March 1, 1938, in Fergus Falls, the son of Louis and Mabel (Boe) Knutson. He was baptized December 6, 1939, and confirmed in the Christian faith May 24, 1953, at Zion Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.  In 1955, at the age of 17, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Japan on active duty from May 31, 1955 until February 27, 1959.  He was honorably discharged May 30, 1963. Following his discharge he moved back to Fergus Falls. He married Carol Lindberg, and they had a daughter, Sharon, who was born in 1962. On November 21, 1967, he married Verlinda Stahl in Dell Rapids, South Dakota. Over the years he owned Knutson’s Duck-In gas station in Iowa, and worked at the Fergus Falls State Hospital as a baker. Butch loved collecting antiques and going to auctions. He especially enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, Louis and Mabel Knutson; a grandchild, Timothy Lee Knutson; three sisters, Marion Maurin, Lucille Pikop, and Beverly Olson; five brothers, Sidney, Oscar, Warren, Robert and Richard; two brothers-in-law, Jack Maurin and Marvin Pickop; and two sisters-in-law, Helen and Julie. Survivors include his wife, Verlinda Knutson of Fergus Falls; five children: Sharon (Tony) McKinnis of Fergus Falls, Jennifer (Scott) Odegard of Dalton, and Jessica (Justin) Evans, Jammie (Daniel) Branstad, and Jordan Knutson all of Fergus Falls; 11 grandchildren: Eric Swackhammer, and Ashley, Shelby and Kelsey Bussanmas of Iowa, Lindsay McKinnis, Shaylee Hanson, and Carter and Sommer Branstad all of Fergus Falls, and Skylah and Dakota Oksness and Kassidy Odegard all of Dalton; two step-grandchildren, Bretta and Jodee Odegard of Fergus Falls; a sister, Shirlee Olson of Underwood; two sisters-in-law, Corrine Knutson and LaVon Knutson, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation:    One hour prior to the service at the church Service:    1 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Zion Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:   Reverend Marv Abrahamson Interment:  Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com