Gary M. Knutson

Gary M. Knutson, age 85, passed away Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at his home in Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Gary M. Knutson was born September 26, 1936 in Churchs Ferry, North Dakota to Magnus Knutson and Inga Johnson Knutson.  Gary graduated from Churchs Ferry High School in 1954.  He served in the United States Marine Corps from November 1954 to November 1957 and was proud to be a Marine.  He married Winnifred Sjoberg September 7, 1958.  They made their home in Wahpeton, North Dakota while he attended the Wahpeton School of Science from 1958 to 1960.  From there they moved to Devils Lake North Dakota where Gary first worked on the Sjoberg and Knutson farms and then farmed them with Winnifred until 1991 when he retired.  He worked for other farmers in the community who needed an extra hand through 1996 and did some volunteer work at the Lake Region Heritage Center.

Gary was a life member of the Elks and enjoyed the relationships he formed there over the years.

Gary liked hunting and fishing.  Gary also enjoyed traveling with Winnifred around North Dakota, eastern Montana and western Minnesota.  They would look to spend the night in smaller towns where they would go to the local bar or restaurant and visit with the local people to find out about them and their community.  

Gary is survived by his children Karla (Rick) Halldorson, Enderlin, ND, Renae (Norris) Elshaug, Devils Lake and John (Kara) Knutson, Grand Forks; grandchildren Kristian Halldorson, Mitchell (Alisha) Halldorson, Aaron (Bethany) Elshaug, Marti (Matthew) Curtis, Hannah (Mitch) Martinson and Connor Knutson; 13 great-grandchildren, sister, Shirley (William) Barkie, several nieces and a nephew.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Magnus and Inga Knutson, and his wife Winnifred Knutson and twin great granddaughters.