Gary Allen Knutson, 61, of Kasson, Minnesota, died Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, at his REM home, with his family and his REM family by his side.

He was born Nov. 7, 1952, the son of Orville and Helen (Dahl) Knutson. He was their eighth child. Gary lived at home until the age of 15, when he went to Rochester for eight years to live at Social Adaption Center. He spent the remaining years of his life with Woodvale Dodge and REM homes. Gary worked for Opportunity Services for many years, retiring in 2014. He was a willing worker who got along well with his supervisors and co-workers. His favorite pastimes were bowling, swimming, auto racing, movies, dancing, music, going to church, and eating out. He especially loved spending time with his family. Gary was a very special child of God, and God’s gift to his family. He was liked and loved by all who knew him, and will be sadly missed by his family, REM family, and friends.

Gary is survived by two brothers: Robert (Sharon) Knutson of Owatonna, Minnesota, and Art Knutson of Mesa, Arizona; four sisters: Janice (Larry) Johnson of St. Peter, Minnesota, Donna Herzog of Owatonna, Carol (Glenn) Kruckeberg of Claremont, Minnesota, and Audrey Krupicka of Owatonna.

He was preceded in death by his parents Orville and Helen Knutson: his brother Arlen Knutson: sister-in-law Linda Knutson: brothers-in-law: Randy Krupicka and Duane Herzog.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, with the Rev. Charles Leonard officiating. Friends may call at the Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in First Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to First Lutheran Cemetery or Westfield Cemetery. Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.