Ralph Allen Knutson

Ralph passed away on the afternoon of October 26, 2025. Born at home in Yelm, Washington on May 19, 1939, to Ralph Levis and Anna Elizabeth (Reichel) Knutson, he spent an adventurous childhood exploring his small hometown. After attending a two-room schoolhouse, the family moved to Arlington in 1946, where he marveled there was a whole room of second graders. Ralph enjoyed duck hunting in the Valley and fly fishing with his good friend Bob Sabo. He met his future wife, Sharron (Moe), on the school bus—always ready with a stick of Spearmint gum—and they both attended Sunday School at the Lutheran church. Ralph graduated from Arlington High School in 1957, and he and Sharron were married on August 19, 1961. They welcomed daughter Staci in 1963 and son Keith in 1964. Ralph’s work ethic began early—delivering milk and newspapers, setting bowling pins for ten cents a game, and milking cows in the Valley. His career included time with Colorshake Corp., Welco Lumber, and Associated Sand & Gravel. Ralphs carrier at Washington State Department of Transportation spanned 34 years, 15 of them on the district wide bridge crew, maintaining bridges from Pierce County line to the Canadian border. After retiring in 2000, Ralph stayed busy with seasonal work at UPS, driving for Chinook Charters, and later at Angel of the Winds Casino, where he enjoyed interacting with coworkers and guests alike. A gifted storyteller, Ralph had a tale for every occasion and could make any story worth hearing again. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sharron; daughter Staci Knutson; son Keith Knutson (Nancy); grandson Eric Knutson (Rachel); great-grandson Wesley Ralph Knutson; sisters JoAnne Nelson (Gary) and Kathy Frederick (Clint, dec.); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Anna Knutson. Ralph and Sharron loved to travel—exploring Europe (Norway), Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. including trips by cruise and rail. A proud union member (RPEC), Ralph was also active in several fraternal organizations, including the Eagles, American Legion, Stilly Valley Museum (Pioneer Board), and Sons of Norway, where he served as past president of Mjolner Lodge Silvana and board member at Frithjof Lodge Stanwood. He was a confirmed member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Arlington. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on November 15, 2025, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 615 E. Highland Drive, Arlington, WA 98223. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Sons of Norway Fritjov Hall Preservation Fund (P.O. Box 472, Stanwood, WA 98292) or Stilly Valley Pioneers (20722 67th Ave NE, Arlington, WA 98223).