Theodore “Ted” LeRoy Knutson, Jr., 87, of Owatonna, Minnesota, passed away on Dec. 9, 2017, at Koda Living Community in Owatonna.

Theodore was born on Aug. 15, 1930, the son of Theodore and Marvil (Stayner) Knutson, Sr. in Sargeant, Minnesota. He graduated from Austin (Minnesota) High School in 1948 and served in the U.S. Army for almost four years. Ted married Ermadell Gross on March 19, 1960. He and his family were traveling evangelists for 12 years, living in eight different states during this time. He later worked at Owatonna Manufacturing Company and McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing.

Ted is survived by his wife, Ermadell, Owatonna; sons, Theodore (Becky) Knutson III, Clarion, Iowa, Daniel Knutson, Ellendale, Minnesota,  Stephen (Rebecca) Knutson, Dodge Center, Minnesota, and Mark (Tammy) Knutson, Medford, Minnesota; grandchildren, Theodore IV (Jamie), David (Haleina), Thomas (Mariah), Kaitlyn, Lucas, Jacob, Isaak, and Lily; great-grandchildren, Theodore V, Madeline, Joshua, Hunter, and Lilly; sisters, Arletta Bungum, Sargeant, Judy Bungum, Austin and Ruth (George) Emro, Owatonna; brother, Neil (Judy) Knutson, Brownsdale, Minnesota; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, George Falconer, Betty Knutson, JoAnne Whitcomb, Evelyn (Lowell) Trom, Alvin (Dorothy) Gross, Ron Gross and Dorothy Gross. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Alice Peterson and Sharron Falconer; and brothers, Knute, Donald, and Jerry.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at Zion Lutheran Church, 66632 300th St., in rural Dexter, Minnesota, with the Rev. Brad Novacek officiating. Military honors will be presented by the Hayfield American Legion Rothie Post 330. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.

Czaplewski Family Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.