General Information
Full Name: Lawrence Knutson
Date of Birth: February 12, 1923
Date of Death: February 7, 2013
Lawrence’s life story
Lawrence Knutson
Lawrence “Larry” Marvin Knutson was born to pioneer parents, Martin and Ella (Greene) Knutson on February 12, 1923 in Baron County, Wisconsin. Growing up during the great depression, a simple treat he enjoyed was riding to town in the car. Unable to get out because of unpresentable jeans, Larry instead greeted everyone who passed by.
A favorite time of Lawrence’s childhood was enacting “Song of the South,’ with his brothers and sisters. He was the tar baby, with really no lines. But when his time came, Lawrence loudly would say, “And the tar baby said nothing.”
Schooling began in a one room school called Meadow Brooks, with Clear Lake High School completing Lawrence’s education. In school, he played baseball and basketball. After high school, Lawrence even pitched for the minor league. Music was most important to Lawrence, with enjoying his time singing in a men’s church chorus.
In August of 1943, Lawrence married Ethelyn Mae Swager. His children Sheryl Fay “Sherry” and Richard Lee “Rick” followed shortly.
After farming for some years, Lawrence was then employed at Red Owl Stores, in the produce department. His progress was swift and joined Super Valu at the Hopkins home office, in the produce department. In Mankato, Lawrence oversaw all the produce departments for Madsen Super Valu stores. Starting his own business, Decra Stone, Lawrence sold garden products. One of the founders of Basket Ease, he acted as president and sales manager. Lawrence helped to take the company nationwide and international. In semi-retirement, he gathered information about his family and put together a book.
A resident of Prior Lake, Lawrence, age 89, passed away peacefully the early afternoon of Thursday, February 7, 2013, at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, MN. We all miss our big voice in the room.
Donations can be made in memory of Lawrence to the Scott-Carver Animal Humane Society or the Golden Valley Animal Humane Society.
The Knutson family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Prior Lake Chapel.
