Matthew Knutson

1969 - 2024

Matt Knutson

PLANKINGTON - Matt Knutson, 54, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024, with his daughter Alicia by his side, after a long battle of cancer.

Matthew Clarence Knutson was born in Rapid City, South Dakota to Marion "Knute" Knutson and Darlene (Morrison) Knutson, on October 10, 1969. He was the youngest of five children. They lived a very busy lifestyle as each child participated in many sports and various activities.

In Matt's younger years he joined Boy Scouts, receiving the highest award, The Eagle Scout Badge. He played baseball, skied, and loved to ride anything with a motor. He was very involved with his sister Vicky, joining her at Camp Friendship, taking her swimming, and cheering her on at Special Olympics.

After dabbling in construction, Matt chose to do freelance tree removal. If work involved a chainsaw, he was up for the task. With the wide variety of skills he had, Matt could do just about anything. He was a person you could call if you needed help. If he could not get the job done for you, he would know who should call, as he had a great social network.

Matt had a free and wild spirit, and as most of you know, he was a wanderer. You could find him in shorts on the coldest day of winter or taking his snowmobile across a lake on the hottest day of summer. He was always searching for his next big adventure. He loved snowmobiling in the Big Horns, swimming in the oceans, and traveling to new places. He had a passion for loud music, whether blasting it in the car or headbanging at a concert.

He reveled in time spent outdoors with family and friends, but especially cherished time spent with his daughter and granddaughter, teaching them his culinary and survival skills. Matt was one of the greatest cooks, and gladly shared his creations with anyone around him, whether he knew you or not.

Matt spent his last year in Plankinton, South Dakota. He grew fond of the smalltown lifestyle. Matt was fortunate to have so many great friends who cared dearly for him, as they kept in touch with him no matter where he was.

Matt is survived by his daughter, Alicia Cuny, granddaughter, Vanessa Cuny, Bismarck, North Dakota; sister, Katherine "Kate" Knutson (Steve Barghusen), Bloomington, Minnesota; sister, Rebecca "Joey" Knutson, Blank Hawk, South Dakota; brother, Patrick "Pat" Knutson (Kristin Knutson), nephews, Tucker and Chase Knutson, Spicewood, Texas; niece, Latosha Barnes, great nephews, Dante Barnes and Noah Martinez, Butte, Montana; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his sister, Vicky Knutson, mother Darlene (Morrison) Knutson, and father Marion Knutson.

A Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held on August 17, 2024, at 11:30 AM, at the Naja Shriner's building, 4091 Sturgis Road, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57702.