Charles "Chuck" Lee Knutson

Chuck Knutson, age 79, of Willmar, passed away Friday evening, March 18, at his residence surrounded by family following an extended illness.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, at the Green Lake Free Lutheran Church.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  A private interment with military honors was held at Fairview cemetery in Willmar.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  ww.petersonbrothers.com

Charles “Chuck” Lee Knutson was born on November 14, 1942, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Freeman and Mabel (Ramus) Knutson.  He grew up and received his education in Willmar.  From 1960 to 1962, he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in France.  On December 27, 1960, Chuck was married to Marlene Hegreberg and they made their home in Willmar. 

Chuck was employed at Town & Country Motors in auto body repairs and later owned and operated an auto body shop in downtown Willmar.  Sheriff Harvey Spaulding later employed Chuck at the Kandiyohi County Jail as the Chief Jailer.  His last place of employment was at American Welding Company driving semi-truck, retiring in 2005.

Chuck’s hobbies included riding bicycle, traveling, fishing with his buddies and attending area cars shows and county fairs.  He also enjoyed watching stock car and drag races, especially at Brainard International Raceway.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene; three children, Michael Knutson of New London, Jacqulyn Johnson of Willmar and Chad Knutson of Willmar; seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter on the way.  Also surviving is one sister, Suzanne (and Jim) Keuseman of Willmar, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Chase Lee and one brother in infancy, Michael Larry Knutson.