Harlen Knutson

Blanchard Harlen Â?HarlenÂ? Knutson was born on March 23, 1926 in Sacred Heart, MN, the son of Henry and Betsy (Rollie) Knutson. He was baptized and confirmed at Our SaviorÂ?s Lutheran Church in Sacred Heart, MN and attended school in Sacred Heart. At the age of 17, Harlen joined the United States Navy. He received his naval training at Fairgate Naval Base in Idaho and was stationed in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. On May 28, 1969, Harlen was united in marriage to Arlene (Rud) Olson. He owned and operated his own shingling and insulation business in Granite Falls from 1972 Â? 1985, when his medical condition forced his retirement. Harlen was a lifetime member of Our SaviorÂ?s Lutheran Church in Sacred Heart, MN, a lifetime member of the Granite Falls Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans. He was also a 60 year member of the Granite Falls American Legion. Harlen was called from this life in the loving presence of his wife, Arlene, on Monday February 18, 2008, at the Granite Falls Municipal Hospital. He was 81 years of age. Surviving family include his wife- Arlene, of Sacred Heart, MN; his son- David Knutson of Lakeville, MN; his daughter- Beverly Stampe of Wyoming, MN; his step sons- Lloyd (& Gail) Olson of Shakopee, MN, Gerald Olson of Las Vegas, NV and Larry (& Barb) Olson of Willmar, MN; his step daughters- LeAnn Olson(& Gregg) Boushek of Echo, MN and Darlene Degree of Jordan, MN; one brother- Donald (& Betty) Knutson of Granite Falls, MN; 5 grandchildren; 6 step grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 2 step great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters- Marjorie & Gladys; a brother in infancy- Dean and one niece- Kathy (Knutson) McCoy.