Carol LaVonne Knutson, 69

Carol LaVonne Knutson, 69, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Grand Forks, ND with her family at her side.
She was born February 4, 1957 to parents Arthur and Delores (Kruse) Knutson in Fargo, ND.
Carol lived a life marked by hard work, kindness, humor, and a genuine love for people. She was known as a jokester who loved to socialize, and her warm smile was a familiar comfort to those around her. Deeply devoted to her family, she was also selfless by nature, always looking out for others and offering help or advice whenever she could.
Education was an important part of Carol’s life. She attended elementary school in several different towns as her family moved growing up, Horace, ND, Duluth, and Brownsburg, IN. She graduated from high school in Brownsburg in 1975. She later attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND and completed her studies at the University of Minnesota-Crookston with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Management in 2005.
Carol’s working life reflected both her strong work ethic and her enjoyment of connecting with others. She loved to work and always held multiple jobs at a time. She started as a cook in St. Hilaire and Fargo, ND. She loved meeting new people and bartending helped her do that. She started at 19 and continued in almost every town she lived in, with the last being at the American Legion in Red Lake Falls. She also worked at Cenex in Red Lake Falls and spent many years at Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls in the sewing department. After college, she went into healthcare and worked at REM in Crookston as a healthcare associate and was currently working as a PCA for Prairie Community Services, where she was semi-retired from. Throughout each chapter of her career, Carol brought energy, dedication, and a welcoming spirit.
Outside of work, Carol found joy in creativity and simple pleasures. She loved stained glass, photography, ceramics, and learning to quilt. She also enjoyed watching classic movies.
Faith also held a meaningful place in her life. Carol was confirmed at Messiah Lutheran Church in Brownsburg, IN, and she attended Calvary Lutheran Church in St. Hilaire with her parents.
Carol is survived by her son, Adam (Kimberly) Knutson of Red Lake Falls; grandchildren, Kaytlyn, Alexzander, and Jaxon; siblings, Susan Scott of Howell, MI, David (Joanne) Knutson of Eagen, Kathy (Eddie) Bowden of Fisher, and Jennifer (Virgil) Boutain of Plummer.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Delores (Kruse) Knutson of Crosslake; grandparents, Sigurd and Inga Knutson of Niagra, ND, John and Goldie Kruse of St. Hilaire; brother-in-law, Eddie Bowden; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Carol will be remembered for her laughter, generosity, tireless work ethic, and the kindness she extended so freely to others. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.
A memorial service honoring Carol’s life will be held at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 7 p.m. Visitation with her family will be held two hours prior, starting at 5 p.m.