Gary Dennis Knutson

Gary D. Knutson, 70, passed in peace at his home in Bemidji on November 20, 2017.  He had battled pancreatic cancer since the beginning of 2015. 

Gary was born in Starbuck, MN on August 16, 1947 to Russell and Lorise (Erickson) Knutson.  He grew up in Starbuck and graduated from Glenwood High School.  He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in Political Science.  Then he served in the army and was stationed in Germany until 1972.  He married Jacklyn Miller June 1, 1974.  They had one daughter, Natasha.

He was an avid reader and especially loved books regarding history, politics, and western fiction.  He loved the outdoors, fishing, and being with his family.  He was an extremely private, decent, and humble man who was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  The light of his life for the last three years was his grandson, Luca, who Luca called “papa”. 

Preceding him in death were parents, Russell Knutson and Lorise Hume, and brother, Bruce Knutson. 

 He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jacklyn Knutson, and his daughter, Natasha Knutson (Eric Rahn) of Richfield, MN; 5 siblings; 1 grandchild.

As per his wishes, there will not be a service for Gary.  His ashes will be spread at a lake that he had fond memories of as a child. 

 Service Information