Douglas Dean Knutson

Douglas Knutson, age 90, of Willmar and formerly of Sacred Heart, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 2, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.

 A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, at Our Saviors Lutheran Cemetery in Sacred Heart.  A reception will follow at the community center.  Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Douglas Dean Knutson was born on July 12, 1934, in Alexandria, Minnesota, the son of A.L. and Lucy (Morris) Knutson. Doug spent his first 3 years in Philip S.D. and then moved with his family to Sacred Heart, MN in 1937. He grew up in Sacred Heart and graduated from Sacred Heart Public High School. After two years at Hamline University, he joined the U.S. Army. 

In the Army Doug was a Morse Interceptor for the 6TH US ASA Field Station at Herzo Base in Germany. During the course of his service, he monitored the Sputnik satellite signal in orbit. Following his time in the service, Doug returned to Minnesota to finish his education at the Minnesota School of Business.

After college, he started working at the Sacred Heart Farmers Exchange Elevator with his father. He met his wife Lavina Freiborg after returning home and they were married on October 26, 1958. They continued to live in Sacred Heart and were blessed with three sons.

Doug became the owner/operator of the Sacred Heart Farmers Exchange Elevator in 1965 following his father’s death. After selling the grain elevator in 1978 he went on to be elected the Renville County Treasurer. He became the longest serving (1979-2003) and the last elected Treasurer of Renville County.

Douglas and Lavina were members of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church where Doug served on various committees. He also served on the Sacred Heart Public School Board and the city council. 

Doug was a dedicated husband and father who had his signature laugh and a charming grin. Doug and Lavina enjoyed spending time at their cabin on Green Lake and taking walks with their beloved dog Toby. Together they enjoyed feeding/watching birds, geocaching and taking day trips.

In 2022, Doug and Lavina moved to New London, MN and in 2024, Doug moved to Willmar, MN.

He is survived by his children Jon (Ann) Knutson of Champlin, Mike (Kathy) Knutson of New London, Dave (Laurie) Knutson of Otsego; grandchildren Heather (Edward) Auerbach, Justin (Regan) Cooper, Tyler (Megan) Cooper, Tom (Kristi) Knutson, Ben (Myrna Rosenstiehl) Knutson, Victoria (Brandon Matus) Knutson, Veronica (Kevin Aldrich) Knutson, Vincent (Shelby Tanner) Knutson, Joseph (Lexi) Porter, and 6 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother Robert (Char) Knutson, sisters-in-law Carolyn Winkelmann and Barb Benson as well as nieces, nephews and other family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and spouse Lavina Knutson.