Theodore Knutson Jr.

Theodore “ Ted” Knutson, Jr., 83, passed on March 6, 2016, at Mercy Hospice in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born in Great Falls, Montana on October 22, 1932, to Theodore and Edna Knutson. In 1949 Ted's father moved Ted and his brother to Alaska. They homesteaded in Wasilla. He graduated from Wasilla High School in 1950. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army in the Post Engineers at Fort Richardson, Alaska. He was a Corporal when he was honorably discharged. He received a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. Ted worked for the Alaska Road Commission building the Denali Highway in 1955 and in winter at Thompson Pass doing maintenance for the Road Commission. He also worked for Minor Roop and Evan Jones Coal Company from 1956-1959. Beginning in 1960, Ted drove semi-truck and trailer over the Alaska Highway between Seattle and Alaska, working for Alaska Freight Lines, Consolidated Freight Lines and Lynden Transport for eight years. In 1968, Ted returned to Alaska settling in Wasilla again and working all over the State, hauling camps and supplies to the North Slope in preparation for the building of the oil pipeline. Ted also worked for Drilling Mud Haulers for about fifteen years. His name and picture are in the Ice Road Trucker Book as one of the best. After retiring from trucking, he mined gold at Central for about six years. The remainder of his retirement was spent in Oklahoma and Arkansas. He enjoyed spending time at the Ozark Senior Center.

Ted is survived by his two children, Terry Murtha (Michael) and Ted Knutson III; grand children, Alicia Briley (Brad) and Ted Knutson IV; two great- grandchildren, Cason Woods and Dylan Briley; brother, Jack (Clara); two nieces, Bridget and Joan and nephew, Frank. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial service was held at the Senior Center in Ozark, Arkansas on March 16, 2016.