Neal E Knutson

Neal Ernest Knutson, 53, Bismarck, passed away February 26, 2012, under the care of hospice at his sister's home with family at his side. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm Saturday, March 3, 2012, at Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva, with Rev. Tim Johnson officiating. Family will be receiving guests from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm Friday, March 2, at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck. Cremation has taken place. Neal was born October 29, 1958, in Minot, ND, to Ernest and Greta Grindberg Knutson. He was raised on a farm south of Voltaire until the family moved to Velva in 1968. Neal was educated in a one room country school south of Voltaire and in Velva. On August 6, 1977, he married Kathryn Knutson in Velva. Neal was a farm worker and heavy equipment operator who started at a very young age following his father everywhere and doing everything his dad did. He was riding on the tractor and helping feed the animals with dad from the age of 2. When he was out of school, he worked in Bismarck on the Ward Ranch and after he and Kathy were married they lived and worked on the Schultz Ranch in Stanton. In more recent years, he worked as a farm laborer for Kevin Colby at Voltaire, as a heavy equipment operator for Mike Colby at Colby Enterprises, Voltaire, and Continental Metal Products in Minot. He also worked for several years assisting the diesel mechanic at J & J Trucking in Norwich and for his good friend Tom Boe in Minot. Neal's hobbies included reading everything he could get his hands on but he especially loved westerns and watching old TV shows. He had seen every episode of Gunsmoke and The Beverly Hillbilly's at least a hundred times. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and collecting anything old or western themed. He had a large collection of ceramic buffalos. Neal is survived by one daughter, Brandi Lynn Knutson Sid Sandstrom, Gillette, WY; two sisters, Laurie Michael Tanner and Gale Knutson, both of Bismarck; two brothers, Dean Kim Knutson, Mitchell, SD, and Ward Donna Knutson, Bismarck. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Robert Heather Trinneer, Shawn Trinneer, Corey Jessica Trinneer, Jason Kristie Kerzman, Greta Rayce Loritz, Kaitlin Mike Kurtz, Kyle Knutson and Karli Knutson, all of Bismarck, and LeAnn Brian Kerin Knutson, Fort Collins, CO, Mallory Knutson, Sioux Falls, SD, Darwin Anderson, Jamestown, LeAnn Toeple-Trinneer, Pierre, SD, Nate Nicole Korsmo; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Neal was preceded in death by his son, Casey Knutson; his parents; two brothers; two brothers-in-law; and two nephews.

Neal E Knutson

October 29, 1958 - February 26, 2012