Phyllis Knutson

Funeral service for Phyllis Mae Knutson, 85 of Killdeer will be 11:00 a. m. , Thursday, January 30, 2014 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Killdeer with Pastor John and Rachel Simonson officiating. Burial will follow in Dunn Center Cemetery. Visitation for Phyllis will be from 4:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. , Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Killdeer, with a prayer service being held at 7:00 p. m. Phyllis passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at her home in Killdeer. Phyllis’ wish was that very few flowers be present at her service and memorials be made to Badlands Ministries, PO Box 305, Medora, North Dakota 58645. Phyllis Mae was born August 19, 1928 in Dunn Center, the daughter of Thomas Olson and Lillian Olson/Krieger. She grew up and attended Connolly Country School District through the sixth grade, then went to Dunn Center where she graduated from high school. She went on to receive her teaching certificate from Dickinson State Teachers College. Phyllis taught for two years in Hope School District and two years at Roosevelt School in Dickinson. On May 28, 1950, Phyllis married Rueben Knutson in Normanna Church in Dunn Center. They ranched and made their home north of Dunn Center. To this union, Sharol, Linette, Dean and Gynell were born. Phyllis was a dedicated mother and ranch wife. Phyllis was an active woman in her community. She was a long-time member of the Hope Homemakers, Normanna Lutheran Church and ALCW. Phyllis taught Sunday school, held offices in WELCA, and was among the Fellowship Quilters at St. John’s Lutheran Church. She served on the Badlands Ministries Board for several years. Phyllis continued her service by serving as secretary of the Badlands Cluster, a member of the St. Luke’s Home advisory board, secretary of Western ND Synod Org. and Lutheran League Advisor for Normanna Lutheran Church. She was a 4-H leader, secretary of Cattlewomen, chairperson for Beef Challenge as well as secretary and treasurer for the Killdeer Saddle Club. Phyllis also found time to volunteer at Killdeer Elementary School and Hilltop Home of Comfort in Killdeer. Phyllis is survived by her husband, Rueben; son, Dean (Donna) Knutson of Killdeer; daughters, Sharol Ledin and Linette (Kent) Jesperson of Cheyenne, WY, Gynell (Gene) Harris of Killdeer; six grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Bethol Knutson of Dickinson and Margie Krieger (Alvin) Kelling of Aberdeen, WA; sisters-in-law, Darlene Krieger of Kokomo, IN and Cheryl Ann Krieger of Joliett, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Lillian Olson; brothers, Adrian and Fred Krieger; grandson, Cedar Harris; and daughter-in-law, Norine Knutson.


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Burial Date: January 30, 2014
Funeral Home Killdeer, ND

Funeral Service: Thursday: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Killdeer, ND