On April 25th, 1922, Ted LaVerne Knutson was born to Anton and Olga Marie Knutson on a farm near Grindstone, South Dakota. During his childhood, he spent time helping his father on the farm and attending a one-room country school for his education. For recreation, Ted loved to gather up his dogs and go coon hunting. (Later in life he enjoyed telling stories of his hunting adventures to his children). He also enjoyed working with horses and became known as a skilled horseman in the surrounding area.

During his early twenties, he purchased the neighboring farm owned by his uncle. His farming was interrupted when he was inducted into the Navy for support of the efforts of W.W.II. He was stationed on the island of Guam, in the Philippines. At the end of the war, on April 5, 1946, he was Honorably Discharged as a Water Tender Third Class.

While back on the farm, Ted used his GI Bill to receive flying lessons. He completed requirements for a Private Pilot Certificate through the Hoyt Flying Service of Philip, South Dakota.

During this time, he met the new school teacher, Esther Ferguson. They married a year later, and raised eight children together.

Although Ted’s primary occupation was in agriculture, he became skilled throughout the years in carpet laying, brick laying, and carpentry. He was also involved in the construction of the Minute Man missile sites during the Sixties.

One of Ted’s greatest pleasures was spending time with his friends; he was best known for his "quick wit" and "gift of gab."

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Esther Knutson of Quinn; 5 sons, Rod Knutson and his wife, Lee Ann of Philip; Steve Knutson of Milesville; Barry Knutson and his wife, Edna of Philip; Brandy Knutson and his wife, Dayle of Wanblee, SD; Cody Knutson of Lincoln, Nebraska; three daughters, Paula Knutson of Silver City, SD; Teddi Reckling and her husband, Steve of Lincoln, Nebraska; Lynn Buchholz and her husband, Mark of Philip; nineteen grandchildren; five great grandchildren; three sisters, Sylvia Schultz of Pierre; Alice Carr of Philip; Lillian Perry of Bellevue, Washington and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Luther Knutson and a sister, Helen Colbreth.

Funeral services for Teddy "Ted" LaVerne Knutson age 79 of rural Quinn will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday Sept. 24, 2001 at the First Lutheran Church in Philip with Pastor Paul Bly officiating.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Philip.

Interment with military honors by the American Legion Post 173 of Philip will be in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.

A memorial is established.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Esther Knutson of Quinn; 5 sons, Rod Knutson and his wife, Lee Ann of Philip; Steve Knutson of Milesville; Barry Knutson and his wife, Edna of Philip; Brandy Knutson and his wife, Dayle of Wanblee, SD; Cody Knutson of Lincoln, Nebraska; 3 daughters, Paula Knutson of Silver City, SD; Teddi Reckling and her husband, Steve of Lincoln, Nebraska; Lynn Buchholz and her husband, Mark of Philip; 19 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Sylvia Schultz of Pierre; Alice Carr of Philip; Lillian Perry of Bellevue, Washington and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Luther Knutson and a sister, Helen Colbreth.

MUSIC
Marilyn Millage – Pianist
Vocal Selections – Ted’s Family

USHERS
Mark Buchholz – Steve Reckling

PALLBEARERS
Rod Knutson -  Steve Knutson
Barry Knutson - Brandy Knutson
Cody Knutson - Derrel Terkildsen

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Tom Radway