A memorial services for Kim Anthony Knutsen, 83, of Sibley, formerly of Estherville, were held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Henry-Olson Funeral Home in Estherville with Deacon John Rudd officiating. Interment was at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Estherville. Kim died Monday, July 6 at Sibley Specialty Care.
Kim Knutsen was born on February 2, 1943 in Estherville, Iowa, to Edgar Knutsen and Jean (Richardson) Knutsen and departed this life on July 6, 2026 in Sibley, Iowa.
He attended Estherville Public Schools and excelled in baseball, football, and basketball there and at Estherville Jr College. He was an amazing diver representing Estherville in summer swim meets.
He was recruited to play basketball at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A few weeks before football started the football coach called and wanted him to play football. He started all year at linebacker and never played basketball.
After completing a teaching degree at Coe, he taught and coached for two years in Colo, Iowa, until 1968 when was drafted into the Army. He spent two years in the Army, including one year in Viet Nam where he was awarded a Bronze Star and the Air Medal for his service.
After the military he moved to West St. Paul and worked for Minnesota Mutual until his retirement.
He enjoyed summers fishing with friends at his cabin in Wisconsin. He also grew flowers which he brought to his coworkers after a weekend at the cabin. In the winter he enjoyed a cold brew and a game of Texas Hold Em at the Fireside in St. Paul.
He is survived by his sister, Karen (Ronald) Shaw, his brother, Kerry Knutsen, and step siblings Jim (Beth) Ricke, JoAnn (David) Wragge, and Dick (Charlotte) Ricke, and nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Edgar Knutsen and Jean (Richardson) Knutsen and his step-father, Irwin Ricke.
Online condolences may be left for Kim’s family at HenryOlsonFuneral.com
