Donald L. Knutson

Donald Leroy Knutson, 94 passed away peacefully on November 3, 2023, at MorningStar Senior Living in Parker, CO.

Don was born April 6, 1929, in Genoa, CO. He was the son of Theodore and Emma Knutson and grandson of Ole and Nikoline Knutson. Don grew up on the family Farm near where he was born. He attended school at the Union School through the eighth grade and the Genoa school for his freshman year. Don had to quit school due to his father’s illness and help on the family farm. In October of 1950 he married the love of his life Della Mae Robertson. In 1953 they purchased their first tractor and leased land to begin the life of Farming and Ranching in Genoa, CO. Don had worked several different jobs throughout the years to help fund their Farm operation including helping build the Genoa and Flagler grain elevators, hand digging graves for the Lutheran cemetery and digging ditches in Woodrow, CO, oil fields to help build the refinery. Don milked cows and raised 100 chickens to sell the milk and eggs for income. In 1959 Don purchased the family farm from his parents which began his many years of farming and ranching until 2021 when his health failed, and he had to lease the operation to neighbors and family. Don Loved spending time with his family and friends.

Don’s love of the land did not end with farming. He planted thousands of trees for the State Forest Service which were grown to protect the land from erosion and create shelter and habit for wildlife. He was given the Legacy Lessee Award for passing on a state lease to a non-familiar younger lessee 40 years old or younger. He was also given recognition for his 22 years of Service & Dedicated Commitment to Conservation from the High Plains Conservation District. During his time with the Conservation District, he showed many school children how farming had evolved from horse drawn practices to present day farming. Also, many years of service in the Lutheran Community and the local community. He was a mentor to many.

Don was known for his love of baseball which he played for many years and was picked for the All-Star Team. He then became coach and manager of the Genoa Town Team where they made their way to the State Semi-Pro Baseball Tournament and went on to win State. He also managed and coached the Genoa Little League. He continued to play baseball and softball for many years. He attended many of the Denver Bears and Colorado Rockies games when he became a season ticket holder for several years.

Don was also known for his skills for shooting a shotgun when he began to compete with the area league Trap Shoot clubs for several years. He brought home several trophies and made many lifelong friends. Along with this Don loved racing go-carts in which he brought home trophies. Another thing about Don was that he enjoyed playing cards, craps, gambling, and hunting. Don was a legend with a legacy left behind. He was loved and will be missed by many.

He is preceded in death by his parents Theodore (Ted) and Emma Knutson, brother Oscar Knutson and sisters Alnore Bandy, Thelma Flynn and his beloved companion Sparky. He is survived by his wife Della Knutson, sister Betty Wann and 4 children Patricia (John) Jones, Ronald (Virlynda) Knutson, Carla Knutson, Gary (Sharmon) Knutson, grandchildren, Heather (Dustin) Young, Lesley (Craig) Cortright, Michael (Becky) Knutson, Amber Reed, Lindsey (Travis) Hudson, Holly (Brian) Wood, Timothy Knutson, Mark (Hallie) Knutson, Brandon Knutson, Weston (Stephanie) Adams, Kesley (Ryan) Molaskey, great grandchildren Gavin & Isabella Young, Lauren & Ansley Cortright, Lily Rae, Dean & Theo Knutson, Alyssa Reed, Riley Wardlow & Tyler Wardlow, Talon Hudson, Everett & Maddox Wood, Nicolas & Jaidyn Knutson, Alek Knutson, Persaius Knutson, Soran Knutson, Isaiah Knutson, Tristen & Ryleigh Knutson, Cyrus Knutson, Maya and baby Adams, Eli & Logan Molaskey.

Services will be at Methodist Church, 770 B Ave, Limon, CO. at 1pm Friday Nov. 10. grave side service following at Genoa CO Lutheran Cemetery and Luncheon to follow back at the Methodist Church 770 B Ave, Limon CO.

Memorial Contributions:

The family requests in Donald's Honor please make a donation to the charity of your choice.