Maurice C. Knutson left this earth on March 4, 2021, for his next exciting journey, thankfully and peacefully in his sleep in the arms of his Guardian Angels.
Maurie, as his friends all new him, was the third child born on the family farm in Alamo North Dakota on August 31, 1926 to his parents Christ and Martha Knutson. Maurie spent his youthful years on the farm with his 2 sisters, Thora and Elsie, and attended small country schools and graduated from Alamo High School. Shortly after his graduation, Maurie enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served honorably as a Tail Gunner in a B-29 in the South Pacific. After his honorable discharge, he enrolled at North Dakota State University (Go Bison) and graduated with a BS degree, majoring in English and History. He spent the next several years teaching high school and eventually found his way back to NDSU working in the University library. Several years later, Maurie enrolled at the University of Denver and graduated with a Masters Degree in Fine Arts. He spent the next 34 years employed by the Federal Government in several states with different agencies. During his professional career he was affiliated with numerous associations and served on many boards and committees.
In 1952, during a warm August day, he was united in marriage to Lyla Sand in Rugby, ND and was devoted to her until her passing in 2007. Four children were born to this family: Deborah (Michael) Williams, Brian (Anita) Knutson, Bruce (Barb) Knutson and Brenda (Dean) Felber.
He and Lyla enjoyed their retirement traveling in their motor home and enjoyed spending time camping along the Missouri River and in the mountains of Montana. Maurie was extremely proud of his military experience and later in life participated in the Big Sky Honor Flight and helping his fellow Veterans.
He was an active member of the Democratic Party, Sons of Norway, Elks Lodge and St. John’s Lutheran Church. He thoroughly enjoyed reading, creative writing and taking care of his home and yard. While living at Touchmark, Maurie made many friends with the young people and made it his mission to mentor and influence them in their life’s adventure.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, wife Lyla, sisters Thora and Elsie, and his daughter Deborah and grandson Anton.
He is survived by 3 children and their spouses, 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews and wonderful friends which are too numerous to count.
John Steinbeck, in his book, Travels with Charley once said, “I’m in love with Montana,” Steinbeck wrote. “For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana, it is love. And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it.” This sentiment was so very true for the Knutson family… Thank you Montana,
We would like to give special thanks to the wonderful caregivers and friends at both Touchmark and the Veterans Administration.
Maurie was an avid fan and supporter of Grand Street Theater. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Grand Street Theater or The Montana Talking Books.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 11h at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Ave. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church.
Leona Zaharko says
To Maurys family: I’m so very sorry for your great loss. I’ve known him for many years as we both worked at the VA. He was a wonderful man and person
Carolyn DeYoung says
Brenda, Brian, and families,
Thoughts and prayers on your Dad’s death. May your wonderful memories give you great comfort, and your strong faith give you great peace.
Lynn and Carolyn DeYoung
Pamela Scott says
Maurice and Lyla’s Family,
I am so sorry for your father’s loss. My mother loved your parents and always looked forward to working with them at Sons of Norway events. I am a member of S of N, however, I do not participate like I did when my mom was here and my kids were young!
Again, my condolences for your all!
God bless!
Rick Elhart says
Maurie what a special person. He will be missed!
Blessings to the family that will carry him forward in their hearts and the contributions to their world.
Rick and Susan Elhart
Karen & Dennis Huck says
Maurie and Lyla were special family to us. Our many road trips and experiences in Sons of Noway will never be forgotten.
Gary & Joy Novota says
Ah, Maurie – what a gentleman, always ready with a smile, always ready for conversation…since we are both from ‘almost the same place, just a few miles apart in MT & ND’, it was an opportunity to just ‘know’ our home-lives were similar in growing up on the prairie lands! He was a special guy. RIP, Maurie….you & Lyla are together!!
Gary & Joy Novota ~*~
Paul Evanson says
Maury and my dad were neighbors on their family farms near Alamo. Both served in the Army Air Corp. and flew on missions in the Pacific theatre. I always looked forward to seeing Maury and sitting with him in the back pew of St. John’s Lutheran church. I enjoyed meeting with him and other church members for coffee on Friday mornings at Touchmark. Maury was a wonderful man and a special person. My condolences to Brenda, Brian and Bruce and your families. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
dick schultz says
Lori and I spent many good times with Maurie and Lila. W are so sorry to hear about Maurie”s passing. We will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers. Dick and Lori Schultze
Maureen Oelkers says
Bruce and Barb, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Maurice will be so missed and sounds like he lived life well here on earth. Love and prayers, Mo
Lara says
Maurie was so special. We bonded while I was visiting my parents (Lawrence and Barbara Gallagher) at Touchmark, because I live in Christchurch, NZ and he had been here. He invited us to his apartment and we spent the afternoon reading poetry. He even wrote me a poem for my wedding in October, 2019. You’ll be hugely missed, Maurie. What a special, kind, wonderful person.
Donald Beard says
We taught with Maurie in Beach, ND during 1958-1959. Lyla was a nurse at the local hospital. We were best friends, and often got together in our homes, perhaps more in theirs. Brian was young then, but we remember him. Lots of calling out to keep him in check. We both left Beach the next year, Maurie to Fargo to pursue a library degree and we to UND to pursue work in English and speech therapy. We heard later that Maurie had settled in northern Idaho to work in library science. He was a gentle and memorable fellow.
Bruce and Celeste Beard