Howard Knutson

Mr. Howard C. Knutson of Granite Falls, MN (lately of Lakewood, CO), passed away on February 2, 2013. Howard was born on April 24, 1916 in Canby, MN, the son of Oscar and Mina Knutson. He was a graduate of Granite Falls Public High School and Northwestern Bible & Missionary Training School in Minneapolis, MN. Howard and his brother Robert founded Knutson Brothers Plumbing & Heating in 1939 in Granite Falls, later joined by their brother Paul. Howard married Susan Rahn in Ollie, MT, on March 24, 1941. He enlisted in the US Navy in April 1942 and served his country aboard LST 839 in the South Pacific. Following his discharge in October 1945, he and Susan returned to Granite Falls where they built their home and raised their two daughters. Knutson Brothers expanded over the years and became well known for their quality process piping on feed mills. Many projects have been completed all over the United States. Knutson Brothers continues today with great success under the leadership of one of Howard's former employees who purchased the business, continuing with the Knutson name.Howard enjoyed God's creation all his life, by fishing and canoeing on the Minnesota River, on the many lakes in Minnesota and also Canada, and by hunting, hiking, and gardening. Many days were spent enjoying the cabin at Big Stone Lake in Ortonville, MN. He was well known for his delicious homemade bread, pies, sweet rolls, and gourmet dinners. Howard's greatest joy and highest goal in life was to please and serve His Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. He was a faithful student of God's Word, teaching the adult Sunday school class at the First Baptist Church in Granite Falls for many years, spending countless hours in preparation and Bible study. His memorization of Scripture, poems, and hymns has been a blessing to many, as has his spiritual wisdom and hospitality to all who crossed his path.Howard is survived by his daughters Margaret Kahler (Dave) of Lakewood, CO and Muriel Andersen (Tom) of Racine, WI; his grandchildren Susan Hoijer (John) of Stephenson, MI; Steve Kahler of Morrison, CO; Sarah Ballantyne (Byron) of Littleton, CO; and Scott Kahler (Melissa) of Centennial, CO. Great grandchildren include Abbey, Sarah, and Jolyn Hoijer, Rachel and Jim Kahler, Elise and Ethan Ballantyne. Howard is survived by one sister, Harriet LeDoux of Portland, CT; and a brother-in-law Gerhard Rahn (Ulrike). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Susan, his parents, and siblings Myra, Cyrus, Goodwin, Dean, Reuben, Isabel, Carl, George, Evelyn, Robert, Harold, and Paul.