Clare Knutson was born October 26, 1922 near Wakonda, SD to parents Thomas and Amy (Lunning) Knutson. He was baptized and confirmed and was been a lifelong member of Immanuel Free Lutheran Church. He died September 5, 2009 at the Wakonda Heritage Manor at the age of 86 years, 10 months and 9 days.

Clare attended Frog Creek rural school. On March 29, 1944 he was married to Marjorie Engman at Dalesburg Lutheran Church, rural Vermillion. Throughout their 65 years together, Clare and Marjorie farmed in the Centerville area. He enjoyed pitching for the Immanuel Softball team in the early years. He established his trucking business in 1963, hauling livestock and produce long distances. He also did sheep shearing and entered the state and national hand corn husking contests.

Clare was a long time member of the Gideons. He family was always very important to him and he enjoyed spending time with them and attending their sheep shows and softball games. He became a resident at Wakonda Heritage Manor in March of 2009 and has resided there until his death.

Survivors include his wife Marjorie of Wakonda; son Rodney Knutson and wife Beverly of Wakonda; grandson Jason Knutson and wife Alicia and 4 great granddaughters: Jaclynn, Alison, Shania, and Kasandra all of Centerville; sister Dorothy (Dean) Ekern, Flandreau, SD and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Glenn, Elwyn, Thomas Jr., Sidney, and two sisters, Juna Knutson and Avonelle Hinseth.

Funeral services will be held 2:00PM, Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at Immanuel Free Lutheran Church, rural Centerville, with burial to follow at Holland Cemetery, rural Centerville. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4PM to 8PM with family present from 7PM to 8PM with a prayer service beginning at 7PM at Wass Funeral Home in Centerville.