Cover photo for Rory Knutson's Obituary
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1961 Rory 2021

Rory Knutson

August 8, 1961 — November 20, 2021

Big Stone City, SD

Rory Knutson, age 60, of Big Stone City, SD, passed away on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at his home.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Tabor Methodist Church in Big Stone City. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 26, 2021, at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank, SD from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Rev. Barbara McKewin will officiate, and interment will take place at a later date.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be available at the bottom of this page.

Rory Lyn Knutson was born on August 8, 1961, in Ortonville, MN, to Joseph and Lillian Margaret (Stock) Knutson. He grew up in the Odessa area and graduated from Ortonville Secondary with the class of 1979.

On May 17, 1986, Rory was united in marriage with Janet Marie Utley. To this union, two girls were born: Jackee and Jessica. The family made their loving home in Big Stone City, SD.

Rory worked for a different number of lumberyards, since the age of 15. He then learned how to farm from his father-in-law, Jack Utley, and took care of the family farm for 10 years. Rory also worked at the Appleton, MN prison until it was shut down. His last occupation was being a care-giver at St. Williams Care Center in Milbank, SD. He spent the remainder of his life doing what he loved most, spending time with 'his girls' and taking care of the farm.

Rory was a good hearted, hardworking, jokester who enjoyed life to the fullest. Anyone who knew Rory, knew his laugh and how much he loved 'Jan and the girls'. He enjoyed everything outdoors. Especially trapping in his younger years, fishing with his daughter Jess 'Love Bug', and duck/ goose hunting with his nephews and friends. Rory was a very gifted woodworker and created many works of art and did many projects for the community. He was also a very good horticulturist, taking pride in growing a garden and flowers: especially Star Gazer lilies. Rory spent countless hours maintaining yard work and mowing at 'the ranch' as he referred to the farm. Rory enjoyed singing, spending time with his many beloved pets and socializing with his family and friends. He will be very greatly and sadly missed.

Rory is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Janet Knutson of Big Stone City, SD; beautiful daughters: Jackee (Joshua) Lunden of Toronto, SD; and Jessica Knutson (Austin Barrett) of Britton, SD; one grandchild on the way, Baby Lunden; sisters: Kim (Terry) Nelson of Jordan, MN; and Roxy Ann (Wes) Folkens of Maple Grove, MN; brothers: Gary "Butch" (Mary Jo) Knutson of Ortonville, MN; and Lonnie (Pat) Knutson of Beardsley, MN; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe & Lil Knutson; in-laws, Jack & Julia-Marie Utley; brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Carla Knutson; and one nephew, Danny Knutson.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, November 26, 2021

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

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Funeral Service

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

Tabor United Methodist Church

109 2nd Ave, Big Stone City, SD 57216

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