Merril LeRoy Knutson of Dawson, Minnesota, formerly of Boyd, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2002, at the Johnson Memorial Home, Dawson, Minnesota, as a result of complications from pneumonia, at the age of 89 years and 1 month. He had been a resident at the home for two years. Merril was born September 17, 1913, at Boyd to parents Lars and Minnie (Olson) Knutson. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church of Boyd. His early years were spent in Boyd, later moving with his parents to a farm near Lac qui Parle Village, Minnesota, and then to a farm southeast of Boyd. He attended school at Boyd and graduated with the class of 1931. During high school he enjoyed sports, especially basketball. Merril and Theressa Johnson were united in marriage on March 23, 1941, at the Providence Valley Lutheran Parsonage by Rev. Emil Benzon. They farmed for seven years in Providence Township of Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota. In 1948 they purchased the Implement and Hardware Business in Boyd from the Weize Brothers. Merril and Theressa operated Knutson Hardware in Boyd until they retired in 1994. Merril was a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as church President and held other church offices. He was a member of the school board for several terms, and Mayor of Boyd for two terms. He was a Fireman and retired after 25 years. Merril was Chairman of Boyd Good Time Days Celebration for many years and was a member of the Boyd Booster Club for years. He is survived by his wife Theressa of Dawson; two daughters: Bonnie Knutson of Palm Springs, California, and Kathryn (and husband Mark) Knutson of San Antonio, Texas; and son Dale Knutson of Alexandria, Minnesota. He is also survived by grandsons: Daren Knutson of Lancaster, California, and Peter Knutson (and Janet) of San Antonio, Texas; granddaughters: Caryn (and Nick) Brown of Arlington, Virginia and Kirsten Knutson of Arlington, Virginia; great grandsons: Corey Knutson, Adam Knutson and Ryan Brown; and great granddaughters: Adrianna Knutson and Peyton Brown. Other survivors include two sisters: Van Davis and lola Nelson; brother-in-law Paul Johnson; sister-in-law Marian Johnson; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Alice (in infancy); brothers: Kalmer, Lester, and Harvey; sister Almira Peterson; brothers-in-law: Raymond Davis, Oliver Nelson, Roger Johnson, and Lester Peterson; and sister-in-law Eleanor Knutson. Blessed be his memory. Funeral Service Friday, October 18, 2002, 2:00 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church, Boyd, Minnesota Officiating, Pastor Ryan Fischer Organist, Mavis Hutt Soloist, DeWayne Hermanson Casket Bearers David Davis, Mark Knutson Larry Nelson, Charles Peterson Duane Peterson Final Resting Place Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Boyd, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota