Larry Knutson

Maple Grove, Minn.

Larry Dean Knutson passed away on May 11th, 2025, in his apartment in Maple Grove, Minn. from complications related to dementia. He was 90 years old. My dad was an extraordinary man who did great good in the world. This is his story…

Dad was born in Park River, N.D. on June 20, 1934. He was the 5th of 6 children raised by Clinton and Minnie Knutson.

He served in the navy as a radio man on a supply ship stationed in the Philippines and Hong Kong. He married Mickey Walstad on Aug. 24, 1958. After the navy and college, Dad worked for Catholic Family Services in East Grand Forks, Minn.

In 1966, they adopted me (Jim). Dad got a job as a social worker at the Dakota Boys Ranch in Minot, N.D. Soon after, the Director left and Dad took over the position. The Ranch was failing financially so Dad turned from Social Worker to fundraiser.

Dad built connections in the Lutheran Church (LCMS), networking with pastors, congregations and many leaders. He spoke at churches and visited people interested in supporting the Ranch. Through his efforts, the Ranch became financially sound.

He led many construction projects to expand the Ranch including a chapel, gymnasium, greenhouses, dining center, school, resident cottages, and apartments for off-duty house parents. Every building was built without borrowing a dollar. Homes in Fargo and Bismarck followed.

He established the Foundation, and in 1985 moved from Director of the Ranch to Director of the Foundation. Dad established Honey Sunday, involving churches across the United States. He opened thrift stores across the state to provide a steady income stream. One of Dad’s favorite pastimes was keeping the book section of the Minot Thrift store in top shape and well stocked.

Education was important to Dad. He’d say, “Get the highest professional degree for whatever you plan to do in life.” He was especially proud when I got my PhD and later when his grandson (Cole) finished his master’s degree. At the Ranch, Dad created the Knutson Family Scholarship Fund for residents and staff to attend vocational schools or schools of higher education.

Dad and Mom loved traveling. As a family, we traveled yearly to far-off places. In retirement, Dad and Mom traveled even more. Seeking out unique restaurants around the world was Mom’s passion, and Dad loved experiencing it with her.

Dad loved fishing, whether we caught anything or not (unfortunately). Later in his life, Dad, Cole and I took annual fishing trips to Minnesota. Dad’s giddy, school-boy grin catching fish was priceless.

Dad and Mom retired to Florida in the early 1990’s. There they had a house they loved, held extravagant parties and really thrived. Dad was the President of the country club and an officer at their church. Mom cooked gourmet food, and Dad was the consummate host. They enjoyed it when their grandson, Cole, came to visit. Mom passed away in 2007 (too early), at the age of 70, from lung cancer. Dad continued to mourn Mom until he took his last breath.

Dad loved people. He would say, “I try to give 5 compliments a day, just to make people feel good”. Much to my embarrassment, he would rarely pass by a small child without commenting “what a lovely child…and his mother isn’t too bad either.” He was revered, honored and loved by those who encountered this very forward, loving man. Up until the end, he continually asked strangers for hugs and flirted with staff at Arbor Lakes Senior Living.

A few years after Mom’s passing, I invited Dad to move closer to me in Sioux City, IA. There he enjoyed his grandson’s (Cole) high school years. About 9 years ago, he and I moved to Minneapolis where I got to know him far beyond the usual father-son relationship. The last few years have been especially difficult for us. Now, we are both in a better, more peaceful place, without suffering.

Dad is survived by his younger brother (Don Knutson), his son and partner (Jim Knutson and Reena Madhok), his ex-daughter-in-law, (Theresa Knutson), and his grandson and wife (Cole Knutson & Zoe Bardin-Knutson).

Services will be held on June 21, 2025, 10 a.m. at the Chapel on the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, located at 6301 19th Ave NW, west of Minot.

To honor this great man, go to dakotaranch.org and give a gift in his name.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 28, 2025.