Richard Knutson

Richard “Dick” Merlin Knutson was born May 24, 1931, in Humboldt, S.D., to Morris Oliver and Rosie Amanda (Swenson) Knutson.
He was raised on a farm near Dell Rapids, S.D., where he received his education and graduated from high school. Following high school, Dick proudly served the 82nd Infantry Division of the Army on the front lines of the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army in 1953, Dick returned to Dell Rapids and began farming.   
While attending a dance at the Arkota Ballroom in Sioux Falls, S.D., he began dancing with Arlis “Arlie” Brendsel and this dance continued for over 65 years until his passing.  Dick and Arlie were united in marriage Oct. 14, 1956, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls and made their home on a farm near Dell Rapids for the next 17 years while being blessed with three children: Jeff, Doug and Shelly.  
In 1978 Dick and Arlie made their home in Custer, S.D., where Dick worked for Custer Lumber and delivered propane for Custer Gas until his retirement in 2002. While in Custer Dick was a member of Custer Lutheran Fellowship. Dick and Arlie made their home at Bethany Meadows in Brandon, S.D., in April 2017.
Dick had a strong work ethic, dry sense of humor, kind disposition and always made time to help anyone in need. He loved riding and raising horses but his true passion was his family; especially dancing with Arlie.  He cherished attending his children’s and granddaughter’s sporting, dance recitals and school activities.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, proud Veteran and friend who will be deeply missed.
Dick died Nov. 2, 2021 at Avera Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. He was 90.   
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Rosie Knutson; and siblings, Sam Knutson, Harriet Kroger, Merle Knutson and Betty Anderson.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of over 65-years, Arlie Knutson of Brandon; three children, Jeff (Darci Collins) Knutson of Hill City, S.D., Doug (Stephanie) Knutson of Sioux Falls and Shelly (Ed) Anderson of Pierre, S.D.; five granddaughters, Dayna (Aaron) Tully, Rachel (Tim) Steece, Elizabeth Knutson, Jordyn (Jayson) Herra and Nikki Anderson; two great-grandsons, Bastian Tully and Jude Richard Steece; brother, Don Knutson of Brandon; sister, Donna Mae (Don) Broksieck of Basehor, Kan.; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A memorial service celebrating Dick’s life will be  Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. at George Boom Funeral Home in Sioux Falls with his family present to greet friends beginning at 1 p.m.
Visit georgeboom.com for a link to view his service online.