Tommy Knutson

WEBSTER- Tommy Knutson 81 of Webster died on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at Sanford Hospital in Webster. Funeral services will be at 1:30 P.M. Sunday, May 23, 2010 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Webster, Rev. Daniel and Rev. Kristin Ostercamp will officiate. Burial with Military Rites will be in Bristol Cemetery. Visitation will be at Fiksdal Funeral Service in Webster on Saturday, 5-8 P.M. and prior to services on Sunday at the church. Fiksdalfuneral.com. Tommy Henry Knutson was born on Sunday, April 7, 1929 at Pierpont, South Dakota to Tom and Getta (Olson) Knutson. He was baptized at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Pierpont and later confirmed at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Bristol. When he was a young child the family moved to Bristol where he attended Bristol High School. In 1946 he entered the U.S. Army and served six and one half years during World War II and was stationed in Japan and Korea. He was awarded several medals including the Purple Heart and Bronze Stars. After his honorable discharge he returned to Bristol. On September 13, 1949 he was united in marriage to Erma Huwe at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Bristol. After their marriage the couple lived in Bristol where he worked for Steffes Garage. In the early 1960’s they moved to Webster where he owned and operated a Standard Station for twelve years. During this time he served in the South Dakota Legislature and was named Outstanding Young Legislator. He also was awarded Boss of the Year by the Webster Jaycees. In 1973 they moved to Volga, South Dakota where he managed a Co-op Station for ten years and then moved to Brookings where he was office manager for Martin, Inc. for ten years. In 1993 they retired and moved to Enemy Swim Lake and later moved to Webster. During retirement he also worked for the Webster Alco Store. Tom was and active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Webster and served on many church boards. He was President of the Webster Lions Club and of the Enemy Swim Sewer District. He enjoyed many outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing. Tom had a strong work ethic and believed in public service and was involved in various committees. Tom went to be with our Lord on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at Webster, South Dakota at the age of 81 years, 1 month and 13 days. He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 60 years, Erma of Webster; three children, Joy Knutson and Kris Knutson both of Brookings, SD and Kimberly (Randy) Saxberg of Wimbledon, ND; one cherished granddaughter, Sarah Kay Saxberg of Wimbledon, ND; a daughter-in-law, Barb Knutson of Brookings, SD; two sisters, Janice Berg and Judy (Harold) Thompson both of Redmond, WA; many family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Bruce and one brother, Claude Knutson.