John Knutson Obituary

John Al Knutson was born on May 23, 1952 at Rapid City, SD to Luther Amos and Andrena Bertina (Valsvig) Knutson. He grew up on the family ranch 19 miles northwest of Philip, SD, attended grade school at Alfalfa Valley rural school, and high school in Philip. He graduated from PHS in 1970 and attended college at SDSU in Brookings, SD for 3 years and graduated with a 2 year Associative Arts degree in Agriculture.

He was united in marriage to Arnis Ellen Hunt on June 17, 1973 at the First Lutheran Church in Philip. He worked on the family farm till 1975 when he and Arnis leased and moved to a farm 12 miles northwest of Philip. In 1978 they moved their trailer home to the home place and moved into the family ranch house in 1983. He was in partnership with his brother, Bill, for a brief period then he and Arnis purchased the home place in 1993 and operated it until he retired in 2017. He still owned 20 head of cows, but turned over their care to Dustin Lurz.

Besides operating his own ranch, he did a lot of custom haystack moving, chemical spraying and farming through the years with some help from hired men and later 3 kids and the oldest grandson for a short time.

He was very active in the church and community by serving as President and council member for the Trinity Lutheran Church of Grindstone and First Lutheran Church of Philip for many years, served on the Cenex Board of Directors for 12 years, Philip School board for 12 years, SCS(Soil Conservation Service) board, ASCS board and FmHA board. He served on the board of directors of Golden West Telephone Coop. from 2010 to March 2025. He also had served most recently on the Philip Area Health Foundation.

He loved socializing with friends. His hobbies, when time allowed, were hunting, fishing, trap-shooting; golfing, snowmobiling, mechanical repairs, riding his motorcycle with friends and did I mention socializing with friends. He with the help of Arnis, 3 kids and their spouses, grandson Gunner and a variety of friends built a family cabin in the Black Hills from 2009 to 2024—it was a work in progress but is considered officially done now. He also recently built a little Bunkhouse that he placed on a high ridge on the ranch—his favorite spot. His family was very important to him and he worked hard for many years making a good life for them and taught them to work hard, do it right and do it well. He always did his best to make time for them, especially the grandchildren and those grandchildren all gave him pure joy. All children seemed to be drawn to him and he loved it.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Arnis, two sons; Scott of Sioux Falls, SD, CJ and wife Jill, grandchildren, Gunner, Harley & Cheyenne of Brookings, SD; one daughter Katie and her husband Brett Murray & Harrison, Blake, Austin & Wilder of Brookings; two sisters, LaVonne Hansen of Philip, and Becky (Scott) Brech of Cottonwood, SD; one brother Bill (Gretchen) of Brookings, one brother-in-law Mike Gebes of Philip; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father in 1976 and his mother in 2008; oldest sister LuAnn Baker of Seattle in 2018; brother-in-law James Baker in 2024; brother-in-law Robert Hansen in 2024; and sister Linda Gebes in 2025.

This sums him up well:
Strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at the High School Gym in Philip.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2025 at the High School Gym in Philip with Pastor Cindy Bisser officiating.

Guest Book

We aw thinking of all you folks during this difficult time, such sad news. Both of us have know John since we were country kids. Hold on to all the memories. Take care of each other.
~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (4/6/2025)

Sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for you & yours.

~ Connie Clements Richards Dyersville IA (4/7/2025)

Gods peace be with you and comfort you at this difficult time. John was a very respected part of our community and will be so missed by all. He was a wonderful guy.
~ George & Shirley Dennis Philip (4/4/2025)

Very sorry to hear of the loss of this great man. He will be sorely missed in the community.
~ Charlie Dale Springfield, Mo (4/3/2025)

John was one of the good ones. He always had a smile on his face and a good story to share. Our family loved him. He was always so patient even when it came to letting a chatty, inexperienced 4-wheeler driver drive him around. Still he smiled. So many memories like that. Thanks for sharing him with us ❤️
~ Jess Smith Grindstone (4/4/2025)

My deepest sympathies to the entire family for your loss. John was the kindest man & I don’t remember ever seeing him without a smile. His loss will be felt by so many. Keep the happy memories close during this sad time & know he is always with you. May God grant you peace & comfort in the days & weeks ahead. I will continue to lift you all up in prayer.
~ Cindy Nuzum Wall, SD (4/10/2025)

Arnis and family~ We are so so sorry to know that John is no longer with you and our community. There are no words to comfort you right now, but we hope that you sense the support and the prayers of strength that so many are sending your way. John was easily one of our favorite people to 'bump into.' He was clever and witty and always a pleasure to visit with. His support of people and projects in our area was a testimony to his kind nature. I was grateful to have him on our Philip Area Health Foundation board and enjoyed working with him on the nursing home capital campaign. He didn't HAVE to do those things, but he did, and he did a great job. He will be missed by so many. You are on our hearts.
~ Vonda Hamill Milesville (4/6/2025)

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.
~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St (4/5/2025)

We always enjoyed visiting with John, a wonderful man. Wishing you peace and
comfort during these difficult days.
~ David and Deb Murray Chancellor, SD (4/6/2025)

What an overwhelming loss for you. Our deepest sympathies to you all. He was such a great person. He will be missed by many, but know that he is in a much better place now.
~ Bob & Monna Van Lint Philip, SD (4/4/2025)

Cherishing our visit last summer to spend time with Arn and John. So loved by many and our hearts go out to you, Arn, and all of your family. I embrace our friendship from our college roommate days so long ago. Love and prayers.
~ Mary Unterbrunner Yorkville, IL (4/4/2025)

This community has lost another good one. Our deepest sympathy to all of you and prayers in the coming days.
~ Nathan & Brittney Drury Philip (4/3/2025)

Always enjoyed visiting with John. Sorry for your loss.
~ Craig Weber Philip (4/4/2025)