Walter “Tex” Landon Knutson, of Annandale, Minnesota, went to be with the Lord Friday, January 10, 2014 after a long courageous battle with cancer at the age of seventy-seven years, one month and two days. Walter was the son of Kenneth and Ina Knutson, and was born December 8, 1936, in Cokato, Minnesota.
In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his son, Billy Joe Knutson and daughter, Emmy Lue Knutson.
Walter is survived by his loving wife of almost 54 years, Chere Knutson; their daughter, Bobbi Jo Knutson-Saari and husband Seth, of Hartville, Missouri; son, Brian Knutson and girlfriend Tammy, of Annandale, Minnesota; daughter, BettyJo Minardi, Jr. and husband Angelo, of Groesbeck, Texas; sister, Carol Ericksen and husband, Bob, of Annandale, Minnesota; grandchildren, Jacob Saari, Rebecca Knutson, Brandon Knutson, Montgomery MacDonald, Angelina Minardi, Jr., Elisabeth Minardi, Jr., Trinity Minardi, Jr., and Baby Angelo Minardi III; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Walter was raised and lived in Annandale for nearly 30 years. He joined the Army in 1957 and served 6 yrs active/reserves, honorably discharged in 1963. He and Chere were married on March 17, 1960, and moved to LaFeria, Texas in 1965. Walter, Chere and their three children lived in the Lower Rio Grande Valley for nearly twenty years where they raised cotton, citrus, livestock, and he also worked as a mechanic. They moved back to Annandale in 1984 to help with the family farm.
Walt was mechanical by nature and had a long career repairing everything from small engines to heavy construction equipment. He also spent several years working for Howle Industries in Annandale, Minnesota, in metal fabrication.
“Tex” spent his younger years, working the big stock yards in Texas, riding broncs in local rodeos and hunting and fishing any chance he got, whether it was catching Redfish in the Gulf of Mexico or ice fishing on one of the numerous lakes in Minnesota during the long cold winters.
Walt loved spending time with his grandkids; they always brought a big smile to his face.
Walter was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and loyal friend. We celebrate his life and patriotic spirit and we will treasure the memories he made for his family and friends.
Walt was a Godly Man with a well worn Bible. It comforts us to know that we will be reunited in heaven one day.
A memorial service will take place at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato on Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 at 1:00 pm.
Internment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in French Lake Township. Fellowship at French lake town hall following burial.