Andrena Knutson

Andrena Bertina Valsvig was born December 17, 1916, at her parents’ home in Hilland, South Dakota, the daughter of Albert and Bertie Marie (Stromme) Valsvig. She grew up in that area and attended Bridges Creek Rural School, graduating from Philip High School in 1937. She then attended Spearfish Normal obtaining her teachers certificate. She taught rural school at Plainview and Shoening rural school north of Philip.
On June 28, 1941, she married Luther Knutson in Fargo, North Dakota. They lived in Fargo for two years before settling on his parents’ homestead in the Grindstone area. They farmed and ranched all their married life, where Andrena raised chickens and turkeys, and hosted many meals and card parties at their home.
Her husband Luther preceded her in death on August 26, 1976. She continued to make her home on the farm-ranch until moving into Philip in November of 1983. In later years she lived at the Silverleaf after which she resided at the Philip Nursing Home until the time of her death.
What she enjoyed most was her family and friends, they were always very important to her. She was a great cook and hostess.
Andrena was a former member of Hilland Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran Church, and a current member of First Lutheran Church of Philip, and Ladies Aide, Grindstone Women’s Club, and Bad River Senior Citizens.
Grateful for having shared her life include her sons John Knutson and his wife Arnis of Quinn, SD, and William “Bill” Knutson and his wife Gretchen of Brookings, SD; her daughters LuAnn Baker and her husband Jim of Seattle, WA,LaVonne Hansen and her husband Bob of Howes, SD, Linda Gebes and her husband Mike of Milesville, SD, and Becky Brech and her husband Scott of Quinn, SD; twenty grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; her sister Ruby Cook and husband Dave of Rapid City, SD; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband Luther, Andrena was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Bennie and Curtis; sisters Emeline Carlson, Gladys Heiens, Inez Campbell, Esther Thorvaldson; and an infant brother.
Visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 9, at the First Lutheran Church in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Tuesday.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, at the First Lutheran Church in Philip, with Pastor Frezil Westerlund officiating.
Interment will be in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.
A memorial is established.
Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 – 2:00 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Frezil Westerlund
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage – Organist
Barry & Edna Knutson– Vocalists
“Called Home”
Congregational Hymns
“Amazing Grace”
“I Love To Tell The Story”
“How Great Thou Art”
USHERS
Rod Knutson – Steve Knutson
ACTIVE PALLBEARERS
Kevin Baker – Todd Hansen – Darren Gebes
Justin Gebes – Bradley Gebes – Scott Knutson
C.J. Knutson – Kent Knutson – Chase Knutson
Adam Brech – Alex Brech – Andrew Brech
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Service Details

Visitation: 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 9, at the First Lutheran Church in Philip. 
Funeral services: 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, at the First Lutheran Church in Philip.
Interment: Masonic Cemetery, Philip.

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