Elroy "Bud" Knutson

Elroy “Bud” Knutson was born June 9, 1934 to Fred and Christine (Krog) Knutson in Verdi Township, Lincoln County, Minnesota. He grew up in Diamond Lake Township, and was baptized July 1, 1934 and confirmed March 28, 1948 at Diamond Lake Lutheran Church, rural Lake Benton, Minnesota. He attended school in Lake Benton and graduated from Lake Benton High School in 1952. Bud married Joyce Patrick on October 29, 1954 at the Lake Benton United Methodist Church. Their union was blessed with six children and 56 years of life together. The couple raised their family and made their home in Lake Benton. Bud worked various jobs in construction and trucking until he was employed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, working in maintenance for 28 years and five months. He retired January 21, 1998. Joyce died December 15, 2010. Bud became ill in November 2011 and entered Avera Select Specialty Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he died on January 16, 2012 at the age of 77 years, 7 months, and 7 days.

Bud was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Lake Benton and had served on the Church Council. He served many years on the Lake Benton Fire Department, as treasurer of the Lake Benton Sportsman’s Club, on the Diamond Lake Cemetery Board and the Danebod Village Board. He enjoyed bowling, deer hunting, fishing, and travel. He especially treasured time spent at their lake home on Lake Benton and time spent with his family and friends.

Bud is lovingly remembered by his four sons, Scott (and Jeanne) Knutson of Brandon, South Dakota, Mark (and Jolene) Knutson of Maple Grove, Minnesota, Brian (and Tamara) Knutson of Augusta, Georgia, and Kevin (and Laura) Knutson of Brandon, South Dakota; five grandchildren, Joselyn (Michael) Schmitz, Jace Knutson, Jen (Jon) De Jong, Tony Knutson, and Kirsten Knutson; two great-grandchildren, Chloe and Courtney De Jong; siblings, Anita (Herb) Dahlman-Himrich of Mesa, Arizona, Ila (Elmer) Possail of Tyler, Minnesota, and Keith (Diane) Knutson of Mesa, Arizona; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; twin infant sons; granddaughter Kayla Knutson; his parents; and brother Leon Knutson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church, Lake Benton Sportsman’s Club, or Diamond Lake Cemetery.