Loren M. Knutson

Loren Marvin Knutson died peacefully at home at Maplewood Manor in Elbow Lake, MN on May 18, surrounded by his family.

Loren, the eldest son of Amanda (Haberer) and Clifford Knutson, was born on February 27, 1933, in Erdahl Township in Grant County.  

He graduated from Elbow Lake High School in 1951, 1951 and served in the US Army in Europe from 1954 to 1956. On September 1, 1956, he married his true love and life partner Helen Elaine Dybdal. He and Helen lived in Elbow Lake when they were first married. However, he spent the majority of his career as a sergeant with Ramsey County Sherriff’s Department. Loren and Helen raised their sons: Keith, Paul and Eric on a hobby farm outside of Mahtomedi. In retirement, he and Helen spent half the year at their home in Elbow Lake and enjoyed snow birding during the winters in Texas with dear friends.

He was a member of the congregation of St Andrews Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi and later in life of United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake. He was a Shriner and also a member of the VFW.  Loren served on many boards and committees including the Grant County Historical Society, Ness Cemetery and Elbow Lake Planning Committees.

Loren was a loving and loyal son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, great grandfather, and friend. He was a man of few words and a grand tinkerer of automotive and other machinery. He took enormous pride and joy in his family, and he enjoyed a good party.

Loren was preceded in death by his parents, and son Keith.

He is survived by his wife Helen, his siblings: Roger Knutson and Bonnie Larson; children: Paul (Reggie Adams) and Eric (Lisa Weaver); grandchildren: Amanda (Jake Quinn), Alisha, Abagale Alexander (Derek), Eli and Alex; great grandsons: Myles and Ethan; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00PM on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake, MN, with Reverend Jean Ohman officiating. Visitation will take place at the church two hours prior to the service.  Interment will take place at Ness Cemetery following the service.

Erickson Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Loren Knutson.