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Aug. 23, 1935-Oct. 20, 2026
Donnybrook
Gary Lee Knudtson, 91, Donnybrook, died on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in a Minot hospital.
Gary was born on August 23, 1935, in Minot, ND, to Arthur and Olive (Workman) Knudtson. He was raised and educated in Donnybrook and Minot, graduating from Minot High School in 1953. As a young man, Gary worked for his father at Granite Springs and at one time was a cab driver prior to serving in the Army Reserves 311th General Hospital from 1959 to 1965 as a medic.
Gary married Fay Schwede on May 23, 1965, in Aurelia, ND. They raised two daughters, Sara and Erin, on their rural Donnybrook farm. He loved being a farmer and rancher and took pride in his Simmental cattle. Gary was an active member of Farmers Union and served on the CHS SunPrairie Grain Board. He was commander and vice-commander of the Clarence McCormack American Legion Post 195 and was on the Ree Township Board for several years. He was also an active member of Carpio Lutheran Church.
Gary's loving family includes his wife of 61 years, Fay; daughters, Sara (Tyler) Mitchell of Minot and Erin (James) Armstrong of Donnybrook; grandchildren, Sheridan (Aurie Coffey) Knudtson-Mitchell, Jalen Mitchell, Jessica (Bryan Huston) Armstrong, Tristan (Bree Alarcon) Armstrong, and Alex (Megan Kramer) Armstrong; great-grandchildren, Aureyn Coffey, Salius Coffey, Baby Girl Coffey, Brecken Armstrong, Jameson Huston, and Axell Armstrong; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, various relatives, and friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Claymon and Wallace; and other family and friends.
Visitation for Family and Friends: Sunday, October 25, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Graveside Service with Military Honors: November 7, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Aurelia Community Cemetery, Aurelia, ND.
Memorials are preferred to Aurelia Community Cemetery or Carpio Lutheran Church.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamily funeralhome.com.
Published by The Minot Daily News, October 23, 2026.