Charles I. Knutson, 87, of Blooming Prairie, died Friday, Jan. 14, at Austin Medical Center.

Charles was born Feb. 24, 1923, to Peter and Hilda (Aldahl) Knutson in Dodge County. Charles attended country school and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1940. He married Shirley Lea on April 30, 1954, at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church. A lifelong resident of Blooming Prairie, he farmed until his retirement in 1988. Charles was a member of First Lutheran Church of Blooming Prairie, Westfield Township Board, Central Coop board, Eagles, Moose and Sons of Norway. He liked to fish, dance, bowl and travel.

Survivors include: his wife, Shirley Knutson, Blooming Prairie; son, Dean Knutson, Blooming Prairie; daughter, Kristal (Doug) Paulson, Albert Lea; granddaughter, Brooke Paulson, Albert Lea; sisters, Elaine (Donald) Yentsch, Blooming Prairie; Marilyn Knutson, Blooming Prairie; brother-in-law, Gerth Anderson, Blooming Prairie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Hilda Knutson; son, Paul; brother, Ordell; sister, Phyllis Anderson.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 19, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie with Pastor Charlie Leonard and Pastor Heidi Heimgartner officiating. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday at Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at First Lutheran Cemetery in Blooming Prairie. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.