May God bless you and your...
I was lucky to have Mr. Knutson as a 5th grade teacher. I remember him as such a kind, patient, and enthusiastic teacher. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Jennifer Koziol Wozniak
November 13, 2013
Bloomington, Minnesota
Knutson, Samuel M. Knutson, Lyla M. Inseparable in life, together in Heaven. They were cherished parents and grandparents; loved by their siblings, friends and all who knew them. Sunday, September 1st, they stepped into heaven exactly ten hours a part. Samuel Marcus Knutson, age 79, was born in Camby, MN. He was raised on a farm near Maynard MN and was childhood friends and neighbors with his eventual sweetheart, Lyla. Besides his brother David, Sam's best childhood buddies were Lyla's brothers Don and Doug. Sam graduated from Maynard High school in 1952, married Lyla in 1956 and was in the Army 1957 to 1959. He worked for Richfield Public Schools as a custodian and bus driver, raising his family of three sons, Scott, Mark, and Tim. He went back to school at the U of M, became a teacher, was hired by the Burnsville School system and taught 5th grade for 21 years. Lyla Mae Knutson, age 76, was born in Crate Township, MN. She was raised on a farm near Sam, in Maynard MN and was best friends with Sam's sisters Mary, Martha, and Ruth. Lyla graduated from Maynard high school in 1955. She married the love of her life, Sam in 1956. She worked in their home, raising their 3 boys until she went to work for Northwest Airlines in 1975. Lyla spent her life loving and caring for others. She retired early after Sam's Parkinson's diagnosis and spent the rest of her years caring for him. They retired to a hobby farm in Wadena MN, where they enjoyed hunting, gardening, playing on old tractors and volunteering at the Wadena Alliance Church. They loved the farm life and serving the community. Lyla and Sam traveled the world and had many adventures together, however, their favorite activity was spending time with family. Lyla was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May this year and was determined to fight her cancer long enough to know that Sam had gone home to heaven. Sam and Lyla both passed away peacefully surrounded by family. They are survived by their three sons, Scott J. (Pam), Mark S. (Denise), and Tim J. (Rachel); nine grandchildren; brothers, sisters and many friends. They lived for God, modeled His love, and are together in eternity. We miss them, but rejoice in their victory! The family wishes to thank the staff at Aging Joyfully and St. Francis Regional Medical Center for the care they provided. A memorial service celebrating their love and lives will be held at Wooddale Church, 5532 Wooddale Ave, Edina, MN 55424, on November 2, 2013. Visitation will be at 10 AM, Memorial Service at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to Parkinson's Disease Research, Pancreatic Cancer research, or donor's choice.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
I was lucky to have Mr. Knutson as a 5th grade teacher. I remember him as such a kind, patient, and enthusiastic teacher. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Jennifer Koziol Wozniak
November 13, 2013
Sam & Lyla were such a beautiful couple. They will always be the neighbors that lived 3 houses down from my grandma on Park Ave. Many memories of Sam teaching me about the bunnies in the hutch in the back yard. And as a scared 1st grader at William Byrne Elementary and seeing Sam across the playground I was comforted by the familiar face. I did have a chance to visit their farm in Wadena with my grandma a few years ago. I am very blessed to have known them and heaven is blessed to have...
Hilary Wright
November 04, 2013 | Brooklyn Park, MN
MEMORIES OF THE FARM - NORTH HAVEN
The birthday group spent several weekends at the farm over the years to celebrate Sam's birthday.
-wiener roasts
-go cart racing
-making spud guns
-shooting clays
-tractor races
-playing horse
-putting a swing set together in the rain
-picking apples
-playing horseshoe
-our own form of golf
-hitting golf balls into the pasture
-going to auctions
-sweet fellowship
and on and on.
But especially the times around...
John and Shirley Dekkenga
October 24, 2013
I have a hard time grasping the loss of Uncle Sam and Auntie Lyla... they continue to be so alive in my memories, as I know they are in heaven. To my cousins, aunts, uncles, those who've loved, and been loved by Sam and Lyla, you are in my prayers. God's Peace, Dawn (Higgin) Russell
September 26, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Lyla and Sam were the most wonderful people. I know I will miss talking to Lyla on the phone about old times and how much we laughed. I loved her dearly.
Janell Saunders
September 23, 2013 | Crystal, MN
Deepest sympathies to you and your family, Scott. Despite your grief, I hope you find comfort in what a truly amazing event it was for them to walk hand-in-hand into the next life. Peace to all of you.
September 17, 2013
September 17, 2013
Sam and Lyla had a special place in our hearts since knowing them in the late 50's. They bought the Kurz farm where I grew up near Wadena. I had the pleasure of taking Sam deer hunting on the farm and seeing the deer that he shot the first morning of the hunt. After a couple of years,Sam,Doug and I,Don Colson and Lyla's brothers-in-laws joined the deer hunting party and later his sons joined. Such great memories! We won't forget them. They were special to us. May...
Jim and Darlene Kurz
September 17, 2013 | Kerrville, TX
Memories of Sam and Lyla======Close relatives who were also such gracious and generous friends. Always a joy to be in their presence. Sam as a mild mannered man who was not intimidated by a rough looking teamster organizer. I was school district manager at Bloomington schools. Sam Working in Richfield schools as a bus driver = custodian. San had an altercation with a Bloomington driver who was suitably impressed to learn he was my cousin.-----spending a memorable day on their farm home....
September 12, 2013
Lyla Mae Knutson my sister and best friend! When you live on a farm you are very blessed to have an older sister. Lyla was four years older than me and she allowed me to sing hymns with her as we sat at the piano. Our dear mother would allow us to sit for hours and sing the hymns we loved. Our brother Douglas preceded her to heaven and brother Donald and sister Joyce and myself will see her there.
Carol Ledin
September 11, 2013