Shirley Knutson, 1923-2016

Published 9:28 am Thursday, March 10, 2016

Shirley L. Knutson, 93, of Blooming Prairie died Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie.

Shirley Louise Lea was born Feb. 12, 1923, in Newry Township, the daughter of Alvin H. and Pauline (Peterson) Lea. She attended country school District No. 111 and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1940. A lifelong resident of Blooming Prairie, Shirley worked at various businesses in the area over the years. On April 30, 1954, she was united in marriage to Charles Knutson at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church.

Shirley Knutson

The couple raised three children. Shirley was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie and was active in Sons of Norway. She was an avid bowler and enjoyed caring for and spending time with her family.

Survivors include her children Dean Knutson of Blooming Prairie and Kristal (Doug) Paulson of Albert Lea; granddaughter, Brooke Paulson of Albert Lea; sisters-in-law Doris Lea and Sharon Lea, both of Blooming Prairie; brother-in-law, Donald Yentsch of Blooming Prairie; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Alvin and Pauline Lea; her husband, Charles Knutson, in 2011; son, Paul, in 1973; brothers Marvin ‘Mike’ Lea and Kenneth Lea; sisters-in-law Marilyn Knutson, Elayne Yentsch and Phyllis Anderson; and brothers-in-law Ordell Knutson and Gerth Anderson.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. The Revs. Charles Leonard and Heidi Heimgartner will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in First Lutheran Cemetery. Services were prearranged and will be performed by Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.