Tekla Knutson

Tekla Knutson

March 24, 2025

Tekla Jacqueline (Moilien) Knutson, age 86, of Edina, Minn., passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Monday, March 24, 2025. Tekla graduated from Westby (WI) high school. She earned her nursing degree from the Swedish Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, Minn., 1960. There, she created special lifelong friendships. Her generous spirit, strong work ethic, and dedication to service were demonstrated in her many years as a registered nurse serving in hospitals, clinics, and the MN Department of Health.

She married Paul Knutson in 1961, and they spent the next 56 years together raising a family, traveling, and serving their communities. Tekla was a loving mother to Linda and Brenda and a caring and devoted grandmother to Matt, Molly, and Peter. Her family meant everything to her, and she enjoyed spending time with them. She also enjoyed the arts, the MN Arboretum, her church, and volunteer groups, winters in Arizona, time with friends, and the North Shore.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul. Also preceded in death by parents, Jens and Theresa (Melby) Moilien; brother Wallace Moilien; sister Barbara (Gruendemann) Rutherford; and brothers-in-law Warren Rutherford, and Howard Knutson. Survived by daughters, Linda Knutson and Brenda (Tom) Dolan; and grandchildren, Matthew, Molly, and Peter Dolan. Also survived by brother-in-law Roald (Carole) Knutson, sisters-in-law Jerry Knutson, Marilyn (Moilien) Engel, and many special nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Tekla's life was held at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minn., on Friday, April 11, 2025.