Dean F. Knutson

Dean Frederick Knutson was born March 3, 1936, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. His parents were Fred and Blanche Rolland Knutson. The family lived in South Dakota and Iowa before moving to rural Hartland in 1951. Dean graduated from Freeborn High School in 1954. He married Ardelle Kay Sorensen at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea in 1955. Dean and Ardelle lived all of their married life on the farm which Dean farmed for the past 50 years. Dean was a faithful member of Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Hartland where he had served as treasurer and trustee. He served on the Freeborn County 4-H Leaders Council when his sons were active in 4-H. Dean and Ardelle spent many winters in Florida and the past 2 ½ winters in Arizona where they have made many lasting friendships. Dean was very proud of his grandchildren, and they were a source of true joy. He faced his struggles of diabetes and dialysis with a spirit of optimism. He always had a God-given inner strength and peace, which was an inspiration and blessing to all. Survivors include his wife, Ardelle; children: Jim and his wife, Julie Knutson of Hartland, Kevin and his wife, Laura Knutson of Scottsdale, AZ, and Lynn and her husband, Steve Hagen of New Richland; grandchildren: Jorgen, John, Jared, Jacob, and Jediah Knutson of Hartland, Kristen, Lindsey, and Randall Knutson of Scottsdale, AZ, Jenny Knutson Hagen of Inver Grove Heights, and Stephanie, Brandis, and Dustin Hagen of New Richland; brothers-in-law: Keith and his wife, Carol Sorensen, Norman and his wife, Sandi Sorensen, and Kenneth and his wife, Diane Sorensen; sisters-in-law, Julie Sorensen and Eunice Maberry; and many special friends. Dean was preceded in death by his parents; son, Randy Knutson; brother and sister, Mavis and Ronald Knutson; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Harvey and Hazelle Sorensen; and brother-in-law, Richard Sorensen.