Barbara Lynn Knutson

About Barbara

Barbara Knutson, 74, of Fosston, Minnesota (formerly of Bagley) passed away with her loving family by her side on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Essentia Hospital in Fosston, Minnesota.

Barb was born January 23, 1950, at Fosston, MN, the daughter of Stanley and Doreen (Newland) Ronning. She was baptized and confirmed at Rice Lutheran Church. The family lived at the “Turkey Farm” near Itasca State Park. Barb and her brother, Curtis, had to walk one mile to the Itasca Lake School every day. After leaving the “Turkey Farm” the family moved south of Bagley where she attended Minerva Grade School. Barb graduated from Bagley High School in 1968.

She eloped with the love of her life, Carter Knutson, on November 4, 1969, to Sisseton, South Dakota, leaving a note for her parents of the news! Barb and Carter started their family, having four girls, Jody, Jill, Joy, and Jessica.

She worked various small jobs throughout her life, but her most important job was being a homemaker. Barb loved to bake and cook. She always had fresh baked goods for when the girls got off the bus. She was especially famous for her potato salad and her potato klub.

She enjoyed the times when she would pack up her girls for a beach day with Cindy and her kids. Barb could clean circles around anyone and passed her ”OCD” on to her kids. She enjoyed the family’s yearly vacation every Fourth of July at the Pinehurst Resort and the annual apple pie making get together, every fall.

Barb cherished spending the weekends at Heart Lake where they had a cabin, spending time with family and making many memories. Family was very important to Carter and Barb. Many times, they would visit their parents for coffee and goodies or for Sunday dinners.

Barb loved the outdoors, and going to the Casino. She had beautiful Tulip and Peony flower gardens, and a large vegetable garden. When her grandchildren came along, she was so very proud of them and loved each and every one of them.

In October of 2023, she moved to Prairie Pines Assisted Living in Fosston. She enjoyed her short time there, meeting and visiting her new friends, playing Bingo, and having the best breakfast and coffee around.

Barb is survived by her loving daughters- Jody Swenson of Lengby, MN; Jill (Jesse) McIntosh of West Fargo, ND; Joy (Ricky) Davis of Wheaton, MN; Jessica (Jeff) McGranahan of Ness City, Kansas.

Grandchildren – Justin, Dustin, Haley (Bryan), Jahkia (Brendan), Elizabeth (Chandler), Kailee, Alyssa, Kassidy (Dellon), Maddison, Dawson, Zac, and Brooklynn.

Great Grandchildren - Brylee and Jaxon

Sisters- Pam (Robin) Knutson of Zerkel, MN; and Stacy (Doug) Nolting of Princeton, MN

Brother- Curtis (Jane) Ronning of Bagley, MN

Mother-in-law-Gladys Knutson-Tollefson of Bagley, MN

Brothers-in-law-Wade (Sue) Knutson of Bagley, MN; Clyde Knutson of Bagley, MN; Lance (Renae) Knutson of Bagley, MN; Klay (Wendy) Knutson of Bagley, MN; sisters-in-law –Cindy Knutson and family of Bagley, MN, and Jami Knutson of Northwood, ND. Along with many nieces and nephews.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, her husband - Carter Knutson; father-in-law- Lloyd Knutson; sister/brothers-in-law-Peggy Knutson, Kent Knutson, Melvin Maruska, and Bruce Lindgren; nieces- Jennifer Klema and Carrie Ronning; nephew- Kyle Knutson.

memorial service

Memorial Services for Barbara

May 3, 2024

Cease Family Funeral Home 407 Getchell Ave NE, Bagley, MN 56621, USA

Pastor Dale Adams will be officiating. The interment will be held at the Rice Lutheran Cemetery in Zerkel, Minnesota at a later date.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home