Obituary of Jospeh "Joe" Knutson

KNUTSON: The family of Joe Knutson is saddened to announce his passing on August 18, 2009 in Spiritwood Special Care Nursing Home. Joe was born in Ordale, SK on November 7, 1924; Joe moved with his parents and brother Marvin to homestead north of Mildred, he went out to work at the age of 15 in lumber camps, becoming a cat operator. Joe worked for many years for the Pas Lumber Company, before starting his own farm in 1948. Joe met his wife to be while driving cat in the Willow Flats area, they were married on October 22, 1952, and they continued to farm north of Mildred until 1963, when he and his family relocated to the farm four miles south of Spiritwood. Dad farmed and held numerous other jobs to supplement his farm income. In the late 70's the farm was sold to Sharon & Sheldon and Dad then started to work for the department of highways until poor health caused early retirement. Dad had many passions during his life, going to community sports days, watching the ball games was a favorite outing for him, he loved to watch baseball on T.V. and he was also an avid curler while he was able. Dad and Mom also began camping and spent many summers at nearby lakes, enjoying the outdoors. Fishing became a passion and spending time in the boat was a favorite thing to do. Through all the years he enjoyed meeting people and whether you were a new acquaintance or an old friend he was always their to lend a helping hand, meeting people and making friends that was what it was all about. Dad suffered a serious stroke on January 6, 2006 and spent the last three and a half years of his life at the Spiritwood Special Care Complex, during this time after the stroke dad continued to be positive while at the complex. Sadly on August 18, 2009 his body failed him. He will be dearly missed by all. Joe will be lovingly remembered by his loving wife of 56 years, Barbara Knutson of Spiritwood, SK, his children Wayne (Jan) Knutson of Winnipeg, MB, Sharon (Sheldon) Goller of Spiritwood, SK. his grandchildren Meghan Knutson of Winnipeg, MB, Clinton (Janet) Goller of Stoney Plain, AB and their daughters Kayla and Jaylene. His sister in-law Anne (Joe) Toth of Lethbridge, AB, his brothers and sisters Marvin Knutson of Spiritwood, SK, Elvin (Betty Knutson) of Spiritwood, SK, Mabel (Bob) Lalonde of Kamloops, BC, Knute (Audrey) Knutson of Prince Albert, SK, Arnold (Dorothy) Knutson of Salmon Arm, BC. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Ingeman and Anne Knutson, his infant brother and sister, his mother in-law and father in-law Anne and Frank Kerekes His brothers in-law Andy, Joe (Mary) Kerekes. The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. from the Sacred Heart R. C. Church, Spiritwood, SK with Rev. Leigh Sinclair as officiant the Eulogy was given by Arnold Knutson, the music was directed by Melanie and Keith Haensel with soloist Rita Kerekes, the Honorary Pallbearers were all relatives and friends who shared in Joe's life, the Pallbearers were Clinton Goller, Russ Rasmussen, Les Kerekes, Dave Hutchings, Corrie Kerekes and Marvin Aube. Joe was laid to rest in the Spiritwood Cemetery. Memorial Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan or Spiritwood Health Services Complex Fund. Beau "Lac" Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.