Marvin Knuttila

MEMORIAL SERVICES : 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at Riverside United Methodist Church in Park Rapids, MN with Reverend Lee Kantonen officiating.VISITATION : One hour prior to the service at the church.INTERMENT : Riverside United Methodist Memorial Gardens, Park Rapids, MinnesotaSURVIVORS : His three children, Jerid "Jed" (Diane) Knuttila, Sharon"Shari" (Craig) Strane, and Jeron "Jick" Knuttila, eight grandchildren, Jody, Jill, Dawn, Mark, Traci, Brian, Aaron, and Lauren, great-grandchildren Abby, Kennedy, Kaleb, Liam, Paige, Delaney, Emerson, Kiely, Ethan, and Avery, brother Norman Knuttila, sister Karen (Rob) Gebhardt and brother-in-law Tom Hocke. MARVIN KNUTTILAMay 30, 1926 ~ January 24, 2013 Marvin J. Knuttila, age 86, of Park Rapids, MN went home to be with God on Thursday, January 24, 2013 after a lengthy journey down the path of dementia/alzheimers. Marvin was born in Perham, MN on May 30, 1926. He graduated from Perham High School, attended business school in Fargo, and served in the Army Air Force during World War II. On January 1, 1948, Marv married Mary Esther Hocke and they enjoyed 58 wonderful years together. He was well-known as a farm implement salesman for John Deere and Gehl Company. He was always happiest in the outdoors enjoying hunting, fishing, and spending lake time with his family. Marvin is survived by three children, Jerid "Jed" (Diane) Knuttila, Sharon"Shari" (Craig) Strane, and Jeron "Jick" Knuttila, eight grandchildren, Jody, Jill, Dawn, Mark, Traci, Brian, Aaron, and Lauren, great-grandchildren Abby, Kennedy, Kaleb, Liam, Paige, Delaney, Emerson, Kiely, Ethan, and Avery, brother Norman Knuttila, sister Karen (Rob) Gebhardt, brother-in-law Tom Hocke, and many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. Preceding Marvin in death are his loving wife Mary Esther, parents Jalmer and Mayme Knuttila, stepmother Ruth Knuttila, brothers Roland and Jerome Knuttila, and sister Janet Schroeder. Marv will be remembered for the twinkle in his eye, his firm handshake, his strong hugs and the care he showed to all. On Saturday, February 2, 2013 friends and family are invited to share memories beginning at 9:30 A.M. at Riverside United Methodist Church in Park Rapids, MN followed by a Memorial Service at 10:30 A.M. to celebrate Marv"s life. There will be a brief service in the Memorial Garden at the church for the interring of ashes of Marvin and Mary Knuttila. All are invited to share fellowship with family and friends at a luncheon at the church following the services. Memorials are preferred to: Allina Hospice Foundation 333 N Smith Ave, Suite 4640 St Paul, MN 55102