Willard Dean Knutson “Bill,” 93

Published 11:30 am Friday, March 25, 2016

Bill Knutson passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2016. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and so many who knew him by his friendly smile and kind greeting.

Willard “Bill” Knutson, 93

Bill was born on June 30, 1922, In Rake, Iowa, to Eddie and Ella Knutson. He graduated from high school in Adams, Minnesota. He was employed by George A. Hormel as office manager in the Dallas plant and was then named general credit manager for the Hormel Corporate Office in Austin, Minnesota, until his retirement. Bill and his wife Barbara moved to Longview, Texas, in 1984.

Bill served as a medic in the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army from October 1942 to September 1945. He was in the five major battles, including the Battle of the Bulge and the Normandy Invasion.

He dearly loved being with his family and enjoyed spending time talking about current events, playing cards and board games, and watching sports. Making Lefse at family gatherings was a tradition that spans over four generations. He loved to laugh and brought joy to everyone he met. He didn’t know a stranger and had a special gift of making each person feel important. He loved well! He will be remembered by his great hugs and his standard phrase “be kind to each other.”

Bill was a member of First Lutheran Church in Longview.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jane Knutson; his parents, Eddie and Ella Knutson; two brothers, Al and Vance Knutson; and a grandson, Brad Lemmerman.

He is survived by his children, daughter and son-in-law Jan and Don MacClary of Littleton, Colorado; son and daughter-in-law Dr. Larry and Debbie Knutson of Longview, Texas; and daughter and son-in-law Linda and John Hines of Alba, Texas. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Papa Texas.”

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday afternoon at Rader Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2016, at First Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Jeff Borgwardt officiating. Entombment will follow in Rosewood Park Mausoleum. Services are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview.