Alice (Nelson) Knutson

Alice Knutson, 97, formerly of Stephen, MN, died on Saturday, April 24, 2021, in North Star Manor, Warren, MN.

Alice Nora Olivia Nelson was born on April 18, 1924, on the family farm in Bloomer Township, near Argyle, Minnesota, one of eleven children born to Arthur and Lillian ( Vary) Nelson. She attended country school a mile from the farm, and after 8th grade began working on the farm full-time in order to help the growing family- as was typical in those days. From ages 13 to 25, Alice worked hard on the farm. On June 23, 1949, Alice was united in Holy Matrimony to Reuben L. Knutson in St. Stephen Catholic Church. The young couple would make their home in Stephen, where Alice would keep the house and raise their two children, while Reuben worked on the farm during the week.

In the 70s, Reuben and Alice moved to Thief River Falls while retaining their Stephen home. While living in Thief River Falls, they were nearer to the family farm. While Reuben worked in the fields, Alice cooked and kept the yard. In their free time, they went dancing until the wee hours. It was like a second life for them as their children were adults. After a few years, they returned to Stephen, and Reuben passed away shortly thereafter.

Alice's travel was always family related. She enjoyed family vacations at Caliper Lake, Ontario, for years. She traveled to Minneapolis to visit with her sister, Marian, and to St. Cloud to visit with Duane and Betty, her brother and sister-in-law. Several times Alice traveled to Brooklyn, NY to stay with Lavonne and her family. Alice adapted to life in Brooklyn easily and made friends in the neighborhood and her new church fellowship. Alice enjoyed Brooklyn, but was puzzled why taxi drivers asked her how long she'd been in the country when they heard her Norwegian accent.

Alice's life was dedicated to her family. Her greatest joy was nourishing and nurturing her own children. She took her responsibility as Godmother very seriously.

Alice is survived by her daughter, Lavonne Knutson of Brooklyn, NY; four grandchildren, Kirsten Mimberg and Jon-Rainer Mimberg, and Jason and Michaela Knutson; two brothers, Larry (Doris) Nelson and Gary Nelson; and many nieces and nephews.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Reuben, who died in 1980; her son, Curtis, who died in 1999; a grandson, Christopher who died in 1995; five brothers, Vincent, Lawrence, LaVerne, Duane, and T. LeRoy; and three sisters, Marion Gryskiewicz, Hazel Anderson, and Eileen Knutson.
 

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, April 29, 2021, at 2:00 PM, in St. Stephen Catholic Church, Stephen, MN.
VISITATION: Starting at 12:30 PM, prior to Mass.
INTERMENT & GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Wednesday, June 23, 2021 (Alice and Reuben's wedding anniversary), at 10:30 AM, in St. Stephen Catholic Cemetery, Stephen, MN.

To watch a video of Alice's funeral service, please click the link below:https://www.facebook.com/165181363494299/videos/812177429731458

To watch a video of Alice's graveside service, please click the link below: (the audio quality is very bad due to the windy day)

https://www.facebook.com/165181363494299/videos/488421962246477