Muriel Knutson

Muriel Knutson, 93, of Barnesville, MN passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Pioneer Care in Fergus Falls, MN. 

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Friday, August 16, 2019 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Barnesville, MN with Rev. Chris Leach officiating.  Burial will follow in City Cemetery. 

Visitation will be 5-8 PM, Thursday, at Dobmeier Funeral and Cremation Service in Barnesville with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM.  Visitation will continue one hour prior the funeral service on Friday. 

Muriel LaVonne was born on March 30, 1926 to Leander and Emma (Erickson) Lindholm in Prairie View Township, Wilkin County, MN.  She was number 12 of 14 in her family.  She grew up on the family farm and attended country school.  She was baptized and confirmed in Little Bethany Church.  She then attended High School in Barnesville.  Muriel was united in marriage to Ingard Knutson on June 2, 1944 in Rothsay. 

Muriel supported her husband while he served in the navy for two years.  In 1946, they moved to Barnesville where they made their home.  They then moved to Eldrige, ND for a couple of years before moving back to Barnesville in 1951.  While supporting Ingard’s successful business endeavors, Muriel was a busy homemaker raising two children, Donna and Gary.  Later in life, they co-founded the Galaxy Supper Club where they enjoyed polka music and dancing.  

Muriel loved taking care of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren and treasured the time at the lake with family. She had lots of hobbies including; canning, gardening, traveling, and watching sports. In particular, the Minnesota Twins. She also enjoyed baking and sharing her famous chocolate chip cookies. She was an active and dedicated member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church and a 65-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

She is survived by one son, Gary (Tracy Shipley) Knutson of Ottertail, MN and son-in-law, Keith “Kip” Emerson of Osakis, MN; grandchildren: Vance (Dana) Emerson of Fargo, ND, Julie (Byron) Heyen of Colfax, ND, Todd Reineke of Waseca, MN, Valerie (Todd) Schultz of Walker, MN, Kelly Knutson of Chaska, MN and Jayna (Trever) Johnson of Fergus Falls, MN; 18 great grandchildren; her brother, Lloyd Lindholm of Pelican Rapids, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Muriel was preceded in death by her husband, Ingard; beloved daughter, Donna Emerson, and an infant son; 12 siblings: Lester, George, Melvin, Elsie, Edna, Fern, Ellen, Mae, Florence, Lillian, Myrtle, and Leona. 

She was a beautiful, strong, and proud woman with a witty sense of humor and told many fun stories.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.  

The family would like to thank the staff at Lake Region Healthcare and the Pioneer Care Nursing Home for their efforts and compassion during the last several weeks of Muriel’s life.  A special thank you to Cindy Larson, Wayne Emerson, Sharon Nelson, Verna Flatin, and Rev. Chris Leach for the extra special time and care you gave to Muriel. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Our Saviors Lutheran Church.