Kenneth Ernest Knutson, 91

Kenneth Ernest Knutson, 91, of Columbia Falls passed peacefully on June 30, 2017 at Kalispell Regional Hospital surrounded by his family after an injury and a long battle with Alzheimer’s and cancer.

Ken may be remembered as being strong, hard of hearing and as a stubborn Norwegian, but cherished dearly for his Christ-like example of honesty, integrity and love, an adoring husband and wonderful father. His selflessness was incomparable and he always put others before himself irregardless if they were family, friends or a complete stranger.

Ken was born Nov. 11, 1925, in McVille, North Dakota to John Knutson and Martha Tufteland. He was the second eldest of six children.

He was raised on the Tufteland Homestead 40 miles from Hatton, North Dakota. He worked the family farm until he was drafted in World War II and served in anti-aircraft in the U.S. Army from 1945-1946, but his stories only spoke of driving the motor pool. He was honorably discharged at the end of the war and returned to farming the family homestead and helped care for his siblings after the passing of their parents (1936 and 1945) and their grandmother in 1937.

He moved to Fargo, North Dakota and worked as a carman for Burlington Northern Railroad. He was married to Norma “Joy” Elgen from 1966-1969, they moved to Whitefish in 1967 where they shared two children, Brenda and Kelly, and a stepdaughter, Wanda Elgen. Ken solely raised his two children until meeting his true love Patricia Hodges at Sally’s. In 1974, they married and shared one stepdaughter, Wendy, and a son, Keith. Family was most important to Ken and he loved his, yours, mine, and ours, children equally. He spent many years in Whitefish with his family being heavily involved in the Nazarene Church, raising horses, gardening, camping, tinkering with vehicles and always surrounded by a houseful of extended family and neighborhood kids. After 36 years on the railroad, he retired in 1986 and spent his remaining years enjoying his family.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, John and Martha; sisters, Jean Johnson and Myrtle Odegaard; brother, Stanley Knutson; and granddaughter, Victoria Knutson. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Patricia; children, Brenda, Kelly, Wendy and Keith; brothers, Gerald and Joel Knutson; grandchildren, Patrick, Alex, Jesse, Katelynn, Dustin, Julian, Kyle and Kaden; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Kenneth’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 7 at Family Life Christian Church, 1075 Foys Lake Road, Kalispell, followed by graveside services at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the Family.