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Kenneth Clarence “Ken” Knutson

Age 79 of Hugo, MN
Formerly of Eagan, MN and Stone Lake, WI
Husband, Dad, Grandpa & Great-Grandpa

Ken was born in Mitchell, South Dakota on May 15, 1936 to Alma (nee Lauritsen) and Clarence Knutson. He grew up on the farm and later moved to Minnesota. Ken met the love of his life, Sandra Dixon, on New Year’s Eve. He and Sandy were married on September 12, 1959. They built their beautiful home in Eagan with their own hands and raised their three children there. Being handy was Ken’s passion at work and at home. During his working years, he was a Superintendent at M.A. Mortenson for over 33 years. He built many phenomenal buildings such as the Children’s Theater. Later in life, when Ken told Sandy his dream was to own a resort or a farm, she told him they would never own a farm. This is how the successful story of The Pine Ridge Resort came about. They ran the popular resort, the cabins, and the supper club for many years. He and Sandy retired to their lake home on Big Sissabagama Lake.

Ken’s family will always remember him for having a great sense of humor, his quick wits, being a great provider, passing on his extremely high work ethic, and all the little nicknames he gave everyone. His favorite sayings included “What a woman!” and “One more load…!” More than anything, they will remember how his family and his work meant the world to him.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Alma; and his sister, Dena Stokke. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 56 years, Sandy Knutson of Hugo, MN; his children, Gregory (Cindy) Knutson of Sammamish, WA, Debbie (Dave) Krohn of North Branch, MN, and Jackie (Dan) Bruns of Maplewood; his ten grandchildren, Michael (Hannah) Krohn, Amanda (John) Krohn, Second Lieutenant Officer Ryan Bruns, Sean (Alie) Bruns, Angela Krohn, Michelle Knutson, Nicole Knutson, Maggie Bruns, Kenny Knutson, and Christopher Knutson; his two great-grandchildren, Kasper Krohn and Frankie Rose Krohn; his sister, Leanne; many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

There will be a gathering for friends and family from 4:00-8:00PM on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake. A second visitation will be on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake from 10:30-11:30AM with Mass beginning at 11:30AM. Memorials are appreciated to St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church or to the Parkinson’s Foundation.