Gary W. Knutson, 67, rural Fertile, MN, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, November 9, 2018.

He was born on February 23, 1951 in Bemidji, MN to Karel and Dolores Knutson. Gary grew up on the family farm in Puposky, MN graduating from Bemidji High School in 1969 where he enjoying wrestling on the high school team.

Gary joined the MN National Guard shortly after graduation and went on to work for Culligan as the "Culligan Man" for a number of years following his honorable discharge. In 1970 he married Julie Erickson. While working as a plumber he had the opportunity to go work in Alaska on the pipeline. In 1977 he started working for Blattner & Sons Construction as a heavy equipment mechanic and oiler where he made life-long friends while playing with big toys! While working for Blattner's he met the love of his life, Sue Slyter, whom he married in 1987. He enjoyed all things mechanical even owning a small engine repair shop for a while and was often relied on for his troubleshooting, body work and painting skills. He was a jack of all trades remodeling and building several homes, fish houses and hunting shacks.  He always had a smile and hug and a "Hi, Dear" for those he loved.  He was so kind.

Gary loved his family and friends, all animals but especially his pets, gardening, deer hunting, fishing, summers at the cabin, any time spent on his toys (skid steer) grading the road, racing stock cars, mowing the lawn, mechanic work, dancing to country western songs, and bar bingo. He could always be relied on to come to the rescue when mechanical or housing issues arose and had a generous heart for helping others.

Gary is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sue; children Karen (Walter) Barnes, Matthew (Melissa) Slyter, Jessica McCollum (Arno and Anabelle), Jamie (JD) Loeser, Nicole (Eric) Knutson, Kerry Knutson, and Jen Alden; Grandchildren Ian, Tessa, Nora, Ivy, Madelyn, Mickey (Sara), Riley (Mya), Arran, Gabe, Levi (Helena),TJ, Kyle, Jason, Emily, Chloe, Emmie, Chloe, Kylee, Aiden, and Takoda; Great-grandson, Asher; Siblings, Bonnie Jevning, Diane O'Brien, Larry Knutson and Debbie Walker. Gary was preceded in death by his son, Cory, parents Karel & Dolores, sisters Gail LaFontaine, Janice Davis, and great-granddaughter Brinley.

Funeral: 11:00 Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at Faaberg Lutheran Church, Rindal, MN.

Visitation: Monday from 5:00PM to 7:00PM with a 6:30PM prayer service at the church.

Burial: Faaberg Lutheran Cemetery, Rindal, MN.