John Knutsen

John E. Knutsen, age 103, of Pequot Lakes passed away Saturday, February 21, 2009 at the home of his daughter in Breezy Point. John was born July 17, 1905 in Ideal Township to Nels and Ingaborg (Solheim) Knutson. He married Laura Barrett in August of 1925 and had one child, Rosemary. John married Mary Helen Hames in March of 1937 and they had two children, John, Jr. and Sandra. He married Marie Larson Perry on October 10, 1964.
John worked for the highway department for several years. He and his wife Mary owned a very successful mink ranch for over 20 years and he was a state trapper for several decades. His life-long passion for trapping began when he was just a boy helping his parents on the farm. John was also a guide for Ruttger's Resort and Breezy Point Resort. Among the famous people who hired John as a guide were Sinclair Lewis, Tom Davis (colorful Minnesota attorney), J.A.A. Burnquist (Minnesota Attorney General), Capt. Billy Fawcett (millionaire publisher), Robert Page Lincoln (prominent nature writer), and George A. Hormel. For a time, John worked as a carpenter on air bases in Casper, Wyoming and Anchorage, Alaska. John was also known for his taxidermy service that brought customers from around the country.
John was a lifetime member of the National and Minnesota Trappers Associations, and a member of the Ideal Sportsman's Club.
John is survived by his children: John Knutson, Jr. (Jane) of Pequot Lakes, Sandy Buschmann (Larry) of Breezy Point; stepchildren: Ralph Perry (Diane) of Pine River, Jim Perry (Jodi) of Pine River; nine grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren and one great-great-great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by wives, Laura, Mary and Marie; daughter, Rosemary, brothers, Martin, Carl, and Louis; sisters, Ingaborg, Martha, Clara and Nora.
Memorials may be sent to the Minnesota Trapper's Association or other charity of the donor's choice.
Services will be 1pm Friday, February 27 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes, with Pastor Loren Anderson-Bauer officiating. Burial will be in Our Savior's Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 7 pm at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River, and one hour prior to services at the church.