Ken J. Knutson

** To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/ccNoZmH-zNA 

Kenneth “Ken” Knutson, 70, of Reynolds, ND passed away on Friday, September 3, 2021 with his immediate family by his side at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, ND. 

Kenneth Jerome Knutson was born on August 1, 1951 at Deaconess Hospital in Grand Forks, ND to Julian and Lillian (Larson) Knutson as the youngest of two children.  He grew up and resided on the family farm of rural Reynolds.  Growing up, he attended Central Valley School and continued his education at North Dakota State College of Science.

On April 28, 1973 Ken wed Mary Leddige and they took their vows at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Reynolds, ND.  They later welcomed and raised two sons in the local community.  He farmed in the local region throughout his life and served the community through local elevator, fire department and township roles.

Ken was a devoted family person spending time with his wife, sons and grandchildren and loved being outdoors and around the farm.  His favorite hobby was fishing, in any season, enjoying the opportunity to share time with family and friends.  He devoted many hours of his life fostering extra curricular activities and hobbies of his sons as he was known for building projects in the shop, building ice rinks and being part of the “chain gang” for several years of high school football.  Many fond memories with his grandchildren were built around giving golf cart rides around the farm teaching them how to drive.  He was always eager to help others in the community during their time of need.

He is survived by his wife, Mary and their two sons, Darren (Raquel) Knutson of Washington, IL, Ryan (Carrie) Knutson of Reynolds, ND; grandchildren Grant, Sydney, Abigail and Riley Knutson; sister Janet Adams of Reynolds, ND; sisters-in-law Shirley (Eugene) Schreiner, Judy (David) Jahnke; brothers-in-law John (Melinda) Leddige, Joe (Bernadette) Leddige, Ray (Judy) Leddige as well as nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lillian Knutson, Julian (Elsie) Knutson, brother-in-law Doug Adams, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Verdeen and Mildred Leddige, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Mary Leddige and his grandparents.

Public visitation will be held at Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks, ND on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m.  Masks will be required.  Due to Covid-19 concerns, a private funeral service will be held followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery of Reynolds, ND.