Lawrence Knowles, age 101, of Mahnomen, MN, died Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Lawrence Hugh Knowles was born January 24, 1918, the eighth of ten children, born to Wilber and Katie (Sage) Knowles in Clifford, ND.  When Lawrence was very young, the family moved to Grygla, MN, before making their home on a farm near Mahnomen in 1923. Lawrence attended school in Mahnomen through the 8 ^th grade. In 1937, his dad died of pneumonia, leaving him with one loving request, "Take care of Mother." He never shied away from hard work as he actively helped his family clear and farm the land, raise cattle, sheep and turkey, milk the cows by hand, herd cattle with his dog "Pup" all while always taking good care of his mother.   Lawrence entered the United States Army on March 13, 1942, serving in World War II in the 5 ^th Armored Tank Division under General Patton. Lawrence served his country in Normandy, northern France, Rhineland and central Europe until his honorable discharge in November of 1945. After returning to the farm, he and his two brothers, Wilber and Charles, took over the farming operations. On October 9, 1956, he married Sena Santjer. The couple raised their five children on the farm, working side by side until their retirement in 1996. When his health started failing, Lawrence moved into the Twin Valley Living Center in Twin Valley, MN, in May of 2018. In September of 2018, Lawrence moved to Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes.

Lawrence was an active member of the Mahnomen Congregational Church, serving as a deacon. He was also active in the local Farmers Union.  He was an excellent mechanic, always keeping his machinery well-maintained. His true passion was his love of farming, a passion he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Lawrence will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Lawrence leaves behind his wife, of 63 years, Sena; three sons: James (Joyce) Santjer of Littleton, CO, Lloyd Knowles of Detroit Lakes, and Paul (Betty) Knowles of Mahnomen; one daughter, Sandra (Roy) Hershberger of Bemidji, MN; one brother, Ralph Knowles of Minneapolis, MN; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren (and one on the way); and many nieces and nephews. Lawrence is preceded in death by his parents, Wilber and Katie; son, Robert; grandson, Lance Santjer; brothers:  Wilber, Charles, Harold, Daniel and Clarence Knowles; sisters: Zelma Cobb, Edith Nelson, and Ethel Gullingsrud; daughter-in-law, Sheryl Knowles; and many extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019, at 2:00 pm at Circles of Faith, United Church of Christ in Waubun, MN.  Visitation will be held Friday, October 25, 2019, from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 6:00 p.m. at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Burial will be held in Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery in Mahnomen, with full military honors.