Obituary published on Legacy.com by Memorial Chapel of Richland on Apr. 8, 2025.
Harold William Knutsen was born November 1, 1942 in Tacoma, Washington and was the only son born to William Charles Knutsen and Frances Elizabeth (Young) Knutsen. Harold grew up and went to school in Tacoma and graduated from Spokane High School in 1961.
After graduating Harold entered into the United States Navy where he proudly served until his honorable discharge. He then returned home to Tacoma and began working. In 1990 Harold made the decision to move to the small community of Montreal, Missouri, living there until 2006. Harold then moved to Richland where he lived out his life.
Harold was married to Sharon Ann Shelton from 1978 until 2004, and they remained good friends throughout life. Time spent with his family and friends were treasured moments that sustained him and gave him encouragement for each day he was given.
During his working years he'd been a sales department manager for K-Mart in the sporting goods department which was right up Harold's alley since he was a sportsman, and an avid hunter and fisherman. Harold also had worked at a boat factory, and later went on to Copeland, making tools in the scroll department, retiring in 2001 after a debilitating five-way bypass.
When he wasn't working, Harold enjoyed camping, backpacking in the Mount Rainier area in WA, attending black powder rendezvous, seeing old friends, and making new ones. Harold liked reading gun magazines, buying guns and other items he could sell or get on a big trade with. In his later life Harold found a new love for reading westerns.
Harold was a life member of the Masonic Lodge back and also belonged to Game Protector's Gun Club back in Tacoma.
On the evening of March 30, 2025 while in the Osage Beach Health and Rehabilitation Center of Osage Beach, Missouri having attained the age of 82. He is survived by his children: Carla Jones (David) of Sachse, TX, and Harold Clyle "Skip" Knutsen (Jennifer) of Stanwood, WA, and step-son, Brian Michael Smith (Tisha) of
Richland, MO; 7 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; former wife and dear friend, Sharon Knutsen of
Richland, MO; several other relatives and friends.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents.
Bound by memories and the love of family that will never fade; let us remember that Harold would want us to celebrate our shared moments rather than dwell on sorrow and to remember that he is safely home.
A graveside service was held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, in the Wet Glaize Campground Cemetery, Stoutland, MO, with Pastor Chuck Baker officiating. Military honors were provided by Missouri Honors Team.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Navy Veteran, Harold William Knutsen and may be left at the Memorial Chapel of Richland.
Online condolences may be sent to www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com