Harry C. Knutson

Harry C. Knutson, 84, son of Christ Knutson and Elsie Hanson, was born Dec. 24, 1924 at Pequot Lakes, Minn., and passed away peacefully Nov. 1 at the home of his daughter.

He was raised in the Pequot Lakes-Pine River, Minn., area. After serving in the Army Air 35th Fighter Squadron, he married Phyllis J. Geareyon April 9, 1949. They had three children: Gerald, Jeanette and Mark.

Their early married life was spent on their farm in Pillager, Minn. In 1960 they moved to Alaska. Harry worked for Alaska Towing & Wrecking, Crescent Dairy in Soldotna, Knudson Fast Freight delivering products to lodges along the Glenn Highway, and Automatic Welding in Anchorage until his retirement.

Throughout his life he was actively involved in building mission churches. He was a charter member of St. Mark, Joy, and River of Life Lutheran Churches and most recently a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wasilla.

He loved his family, his sisters, fishing, gardening and working with wood. His family wrote, “He was a humble and quiet man who accepted everyone. His love, humor, wisdom and faithful example touched many lives.”

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis J. Knutson, three children: Gerry (Cindy) Knutson of Wasilla, Jeanette (Marc) Spiegelberg of Centralia, Wash.,; Mark (Laura) Knutson of Puyallup, Wash.; 12 grandchildren: Troy and Michael Knutson, Jason, Arla, Avarie, Jarin and Jardan Ruiz, Peter, Keith and John Spiegelberg, and Joel and Timothy Knutson; seven great-grandchildren: Payton, Sierra, Lane, Alex, Abbygayle, Isabel, and Anna; and sisters, Nora Hoefs, Stella Davis, Gladys Rudningen and Mabel Poul. He was preceded in death by his brother, Edwin Knutson.

A memorial service will be held Friday at 3 p.m., at the River of Life Lutheran Church in Chugiak with Pastor Carol George officiating. His final resting place will be in Pine River, Minn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to ELCA –TEAM Mission Builders Fund, 1847 W. No. Lights Blvd. #2, Anchorage AK 99517, or to other charities close to your heart.