Merle Knutson

Merle Eugene Knutson of Faribault, Minnesota, was called to his eternal home on May 30, 2019.

Merle was born in Grand Meadow, Minnesota on May 19, 1944 to Albert and Mae (Jensen) Knutson. He was a principled man known for his humility, selfless devotion to his family, tremendous intellect and steadfast servant leadership at First English Lutheran Church of Faribault. All of which contributed to his being an ideal husband, father, grandfather, son and friend. Raised on a farm in Grand Meadow, Merle developed a strong work ethic at an early age. He left home to admirably serve our country in the United States Navy. Upon his return home to Minnesota, he met a beautiful blonde, Faye Redalen at a dance at the Playmor Ballroom in Rochester, who would become his wife shortly thereafter. Merle completed his degree from Mankato State College in three years and subsequently built a long, distinguished, and respectable career at AgStar. He and Faye raised four beautiful children, Matt, Gretchen, Tim and Mary. Merle left us suddenly and far too early, but all who knew him will remember him for the pride of his family, especially his grandchildren, sense of humor, Norwegian stubbornness, everlasting love for Faye, and love of fishing.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mae Knutson; brother Mervin Knutson, sister Beverly Struwe; brother-in-law Wayne Struwe, mother-in-law Bertha Redalen and father-in-law Hiram Redalen and nephew, Terry Redalen.

Merle is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Faye; his son Matt Knutson (Stacy) of Faribault; daughter Gretchen Knutson (Kyle Resler) of Bemidji; son Tim Knutson (Lindsey) of Dallas, Texas; and daughter Mary Momberg (Rick) of Faribault; his seven grandchildren Meghan, Ellie, Jack, Oliver, Hennessy, Ashlyn and Gunnar; as well as numerous extended family members and a multitude of friends who will forever cherish their memories with Merle.

Please join us for this informal gathering to share stories and celebrate Merle on June 20th, 2019 4-7pm at Parker Kohl Funeral Home.  We will have a short blessing at 6pm.