The funeral service for Arnold J. Knutson of rural Ellendale, Minnesota will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 9, 2012 at Zion Lutheran Church, rural Ellendale. Reverend Cary Larson will officiate. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church and one hour before the service at the church.
Arnold died at his home Sunday August 5, 2012. He was 83 years old.
Arnold John Knutson was born August 17, 1928 in West field Township, Dodge County , Minnesota to Henry and Josephine (Madsen) Knutson. Arnold joined three brothers and two sisters. The family later was completed with two more sisters and one more brother. Arnold moved to Steele County at age of three and was a resident of Steele County for the remainder of his life. Arnold was baptized at Westfield Lutheran Church and was later confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna. Arnold attended schools in Steele County. Arnold joined the Merchant Marines and made several trips back-forth across the Atlantic Ocean. Arnold came home from the Merchant Marines and worked one week, then walked up to the court house during his lunch hour and joined the Army. He was in New York City when World War II ended. Arnold worked a variety of jobs after the war. He went to work for Hyline International in 1950 and worked in sales and service for 42 years. Arnold and Lorraine Miller were married on November 3, 1951. They were married 36 years and had six children. Lorraine preceded Arnold in death on January 8, 1988. Arnold married Elizabeth Arthur, a neighbor and friend, on July 31, 1992. Elizabeth also had six children, so their families doubled. Arnold enjoyed hunting and fishing all his life and loved to spend time “up north” at his cabin. After retirement Arnold enjoyed wood working and made many items for family members. He and Elizabeth also enjoyed traveling. Arnold’s children and step children were very dear to him, and he dearly loved all 27 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Arnold was a member of Zion Lutheran Church for over 50 years and held various church offices over the years.
Arnold was a very kind and gentle man and will be greatly missed by Elizabeth, his wife for 20 years; his children Valerie (Dan) Schember, Ellendale, Ronald (Roxy) Knutson, Ellendale, Michael (Pam) Knutson, Ellendale, Christie (Steve) Nowariak, Owatonna, Laurie (Milo) Dahlin, Ellendale, Scott (Tammy) Knutson, Ellendale; step children Lorie (Bret) Oelke, Barrett, MN, Matt Arthur, Ellendale, Bill (Vicki) Arthur, Ellendale, Kay (Kevin) Seiwert , Lake City, MN, Jolene (Rodney) Balvitach, Ellendale, MN, James Arthur, Ellendale; 27 grandchildren and six great grandchildren; also three sisters, Hilda Christenson, Cambridge, MN, Marion Anderson, Owatonna, MN and Ardella (Richard) Brecke, Rochester, MN; sister-in-law Marjorie Knutson; brother by marriage Robert (Jean) Miller, and many nieces and nephews and friends.
Arnold was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife; four brothers and two sisters; three brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.
In Arnold’s own words “I’ve had a good life and I’m ready when God calls me.”
Arnold was a good man, he fought a courageous battle, he finished the race and he kept the faith. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and neighbors.
