Luverne Franklin Knutson

Luverne Franklin Knutson, 80, of Palmer, Alaska, passed away on Feb. 2, 2016.

Born on Jan. 14, 1936, to Raymond and Myrtle Knutson, he married “Bobbi” Conn on Oct. 4, 1954. Together they raised four children. Luverne brought the family to Alaska in 1964, settling in the Palmer-Fishhook neighborhood.

In 1954, Luverne joined the Air Force. He was active Air Force and Air Force Reserve for 20 years. He was an aircraft mechanic and worked on B52s and C130s. He had many exciting stories, including meeting JFK in Houston, on Air Force 1, prior to his fateful trip to Dallas.

Luverne loved the outdoors, hunting, horses and he loved a challenge. He had a way with commercial generators, and never found one he couldn’t fix.

Luverne is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, “Bobbi”; children, Steve (Lynne), Karen (Joe) Dupont, Jana (Lin) Turner and Eric (Kristin), eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Wes.

A celebration of life will be held at the Fishhook Bar & Café on Thursday, Feb. 11. Potluck at noon. The Air Force Color Guard will present a formal military ceremony at 1 p.m.