Everette J. Knutson
April 11, 1931 – November 10, 2020
Everette (also known as Jerry) was born in Webster County Iowa in 1931 to Lillian and Everette Knutson. As a young man, he loved his time working on the family farm located outside of Thor, Iowa. In high school he was involved in wrestling, chorus and on the drama team. He loved to sing and enjoyed music tremendously throughout his lifetime.
Everette attended Waldorf College in Forrest City, Iowa where he met his future wife and love of his life, Evelyn Larson. He was called to serve the Army during the Korean War stationed in Okinawa Japan. It was here that he worked with a number of chaplains who encouraged his faith. His grit earned him the nickname Kuma Chan or “Little Bear” – a name that proved true over and over through the years.
He worked in finance for many years and retired from Principle Financial. He was a gregarious man who loved to tell stories and make others laugh. He was known for his honesty, hard work and strong values. He loved his family deeply and his faith was very important to him. He stayed involved and volunteered in his church all of his life. He was also very proud of his Norwegian heritage. His family looked forward every Christmas to his special rendition of “The Night Before Christmas” embellished with his Norwegian accent and a few changes in the dialogue.
Everette is survived by sisters, Sharon and Joan; children: Rick Knutson (Jill), Becki Johnson (Glenn), Mary Seaman, and Dan Knutson (Kay). He is grandfather to Jesse Ostdiek (Kelly), Nick Knutson, Hannah Knutson, Schuyler Seaman, and Ryan Knutson. He is great-grandfather to Kaylee Ostdiek, Mason Ostdiek and Carson Ostdiek.
There will be a private (family only) viewing at Heafey, Hoffman, Dworak & Cutler Funeral Home on Friday, November 13th from 5pm to 7pm. The viewing will be livestreamed on their website at heafeyheafey.com. You are invited to sign the online guestbook and leave your special memories.
A GRAVESIDE SERVICE will be held at Westlawn Hillcrest Cemetery – 5701 West Center, Omaha, NE. on Saturday, November 14th at 10am. In lieu of flowers, family asks memoriams should be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 13271 Millard Avenue, Omaha NE 68137. Click here to view a family video scrapbook:
https://boxcast.tv/view/everette-knutson-o6u8nr5uiouunumfn3kq
To view a live broadcast of the Visitation, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the homepage.
6 Comments
Sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Thinking of your family during this hard time. Sending love to you all. Your slide show was beautiful. Lots of lovely memories.
Love, Cousin Linda Anderson Shannon
Cousin Linda Anderson Shannon
So sorry to hear of Jerr’s death I know he has been suffering a long time, and is happy with his Lord now. We will certainly miss him and his Norwegian dialect. Seems the more his audience grewand enjoyed his stories, the better they got! Rick,, Becku, Meredith. know my sincere sympathy and prayers are with you all!
The other Norewegian amongst the Swedes
One of St Paul’s great guys. Always great to visit, volunteer, and sing in choir. God’s bless his memory!
We’re so glad we were able to know Everette. Early morning Bible study, singing in the choir, and adding life and enthusiasm to St. Paul’s. You can be assured the world is a better place because of him. He enriched many lives.
My deepest condolences. Ev was such a joy to be around in church. His willingness to get up on stage and play a police officer was one of my absolute favorite memories. He was a beautiful soul and will be sorely missed.
Sign Guestbook