Marlan O. Knutson, 81, died Monday, November 2, 2009 at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls. He was born May 28, 1928 to Conrad and Hattie (Helgerson) Knutson at home on a farm near Brandon, SD where Huset's Speedway is now. The family moved to Moody County in 1930 and to the Knutson homestead northwest of Flandreau in 1939. He received his education in country school in Moody County and farmed with his parents until 1956. He served during the Korean War from May 1953 to May 1955. After his discharge he attended Agriculture school in Colman for two years. Marlan married Delores B. Dueis on February 26, 1956 in Sioux Falls at Zion Lutheran Church by Rev. G.A. Troemel. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary February 26, 2006. They have farmed northwest of Flandreau and lived on the same farm since being married. Marlan was member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, served as a church elder and was a director of Cenex in Flandreau from 1982 until March 2009.

Marlan is survived by his wife, Delores; a son, Merlin (Lisa) Knutson and three grandchildren, Kimberly, Kelsey and Katelyn Knutson, all of Sioux Falls and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Lillian Eng and Alice Berg and two brothers, Kelmer and Lloyd Knutson.

Funeral services will be Friday, November 6, 2009 at 11:00 am at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Flandreau with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sioux Falls. Visitation is from 4:00 – 7:00 pm Thursday at Skroch Funeral Chapel with a 7:00 pm prayer service.