Alfred Knutson

Alfred Knutson, age 75, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Friday, May 18th, at Essentia Health Living Center in Fosston. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29th, at the Country Faith Church, rural Clearbrook, MN with Pastor Larry Dorman officiating. Interment will be in Cross Lake Cemetery, rural Fosston. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Military honors will be conducted by the Spring Lake V.F.W. Post #2759 of Lengby, MN. Arrangements are with the Carlin Funeral Home of Fosston and messages of condolence may be sent at www.carlinfuneral.com. Alfred Donald Knutson, Jr was born on April 23, 1943 in Middle River, Minnesota to parents Alfred Odin Knutson, Sr. and Minerva Jane (Lamb) Knutson. He grew up in Middle River and attended school there and later at the Crookston AC. He entered the United States Navy and was stationed for two years on a Naval vessel in the Pacific where he also earned his Lab Technician degree. After he received his honorable discharge, he returned to the states where he lived in Montana. During that time in his life, he was blessed with a daughter, Karla.Alfred returned to Minnesota where he met Carolyn "Nippy" Fjerstad. They were married on September 7, 1975 at Cross Lake Lutheran Church east of Fosston. After their marriage, they lived in Thief River Falls and then Fosston before purchasing the family farm in Columbia Township. It was at this place where Alfred and Carolyn raised their three children and lived their remaining years. Carolyn passed away on February 16, 2009.Alfred was a dedicated family man to say the least. Family meant everything to him. He always wanted better for his children then he had, always striving for them to live their best life. He was a hard worker and worked very hard to provide for his family. He was known for his great big smile and one can't forget the toothpick always in his mouth. He made sure he had spares in his front pocket. He was caring, giving and selfless in many ways. He would literally give the shirt off his back if you needed it. Alfred instilled strong family values that his children carry on to this day. Attending church together on Sunday mornings was very important to Alfred. It was a family tradition to get ice cream afterwards. When he worked on the road, he routinely made special long distance trips home to see his family even if it was for just a day, it meant that much to him. He would call home every night like clockwork to talk to Carolyn and they would lovingly spend an hour or so together talking. They never seemed to run out of things to talk about. Carolyn made sure to never miss a call and they both looked forward to it each night. Alfred also had a strong devotion to his son, Kelly. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his boy. He routinely would pick him up on the weekends and they would go for road trips along with his sidekick, Scrappy. He was so very proud of all of his children and grandchildren and always wanted to know what was happening in their lives. The roots that he grew for his family were strong and family was truly the meaning for his life. He will be dearly missed. He also enjoyed many Sunday brunches in Thief River Falls with Norma & Jim and their family, just simply visiting and laughing, enjoying each other's company.After his wife passed away, Alfred was blessed to have a special friend in his life, Ruth Vines, that cared for both him and his family very much. They enjoyed traveling and shared many wonderful memories. Ruth was a true blessing to Alfred.He was a past member of Poplar Lake church for many years where his children attended, he then followed his daughters to become a member of the Country Faith Church near Clearbrook, where they continued to enjoy their Sunday traditions. He was an active member of Spring Lake V.F.W. Post #2759 of Lengby.Alfred passed away on Friday, May 18, 2018 at Essentia Health Living Center in Fosston while under hospice care at the age of 75 years.Survivors include three daughters,Karla Brandt of Great Falls, MT, Carrie (Ryan) Walker of Bagley, MN, Tracie (Brian) Branchaud of Clearbrook, MN, and one son, Kelly Knutson of Bagley, MN; six grandchildren, Alex Brandt, Breana Branchaud, Brandon Branchaud, Dalton Walker, Rylan Walker, and Chastine Walker; two great grandchildren, Vaidah Brandt and Sophia Reynolds Walker; one sister, Maxine Sumner of Thief River Falls; and brother-in-law, Jim Hutchinson of Thief River Falls. Nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives also survive. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; two sisters, Norma Hutchinson and Shirley Peterson; and brother-in-law, Cliff Sumner.

Visitation

Tuesday, May 29, 2018 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Country Faith Church
46125 460th St. Clearbrook 56634, United States

Funeral Service

Tuesday, May 29, 2018 2:00 PM
Country Faith Church
46125 460th St. Clearbrook 56634, United States