Gerald Knutson

Gerald (Jerry) C. Knutson, a resident of Fergus Falls, died peacefully Thursday, December 30, 2010 at the Fargo VA Medical Center at the age of 45 after courageously battling cancer since 2002.

Jerry was born May 16, 1965 in Minneapolis, MN to Arnold and Elaine Knutson. He graduated from St. Francis High School in 1983. He joined the army in 1985, serving in Africa, Alaska, Hawaii, Korea and Panama as part of the Special Operations Command Pacific, 3 ^rd Special Forces Group until 1993.

In 1993, Jerry married Jodi Shearer on June 19 at the Federated Church in Fergus Falls. The couple resided in the Minneapolis area until 1997, when they relocated to Greeneville, TN where Jerry managed the customer service and shipping departments for Alpine Industries. Their oldest daughter, Kaitlin was born shortly after the move.

A few years later the family moved to Fort Worth, TX where Jerry worked for Flash Net Industries before settling back in the Fergus Falls area in 2001. In 2005, their youngest daughter Emily was born.

Jerry enjoyed cooking, reading, grouse hunting, playing hockey, fishing and following musician, James Blunt. He was also a devoted, loving husband, father, son and friend to many.

Preceding Jerry in death were his father; grandparents, Ted and Agnes Thomsen, Clifford and Claribell Knutson; aunt, Annette Thomsen; and cousins, Kim Thomsen and Angela Steen.

He is survived by his wife, Jodi; daughters, Kaitlin (13) and Emily (5); mother, Elaine Norman; and sisters, Melanie and Merry Jo Knutson; extended family and many friends.

We will deeply miss Jerry’s laughter, generosity, loving arms and mischievous grin. We admire his service to our country and his brave battle against cancer. His spirit and determination will live on in the many lives he touched and we are thankful that he suffers no more.

Memorial Service: Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 11:30 am, Hope Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls, MN

Visitation: Saturday, January 8th from 10am - 11:30 a.m., Hope Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls, MN

Officiating: Rev. Jon Olson and Allen Westby

Cemetery: Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, MN

Condolences: www.GlendeNilson.com