Jerry Knuttila

Jerome (Jerry) Dale Knuttila, age 74 formerly of Perham, passed away on May 23rd in the Staples Care Center after a courageous battle against Alzheimers. Jerry was born February 2, 1931 in Perham to Hjalmer & Mayme (Wickman) Knuttila. After his mother passed away, his three brothers - Marvin, Rolland, Norman, along with his two sisters Janet and Karen, were raised by their father and step-mother Ruth Kimball Knuttila. Jerry married Mary Jane Koennicke on September 5, 1949 and together they had three children; Paula, Christopher and Peggy. For many years he worked for the family business, Knuttila Implement, in both Perham and Park Rapids. Jerry was a true lover of people and throughout his lifetime he excelled in the field of sales. Later the family moved to the Wadena area where Jerry dedicated his time to helping others as a chemical dependency counselor. Jerry enoyed his years with his family in the Pine Lakes/Brainerd area where he spent time fishing, snowmobiling, skiing and times outdoors. He is a former member of the Staples Men's Chorus, Wadena Baseball Association and the Perham Fire Dept. One of Jerry's passions was hunting at Honeymoon Ranch with his brothers, son and nephews. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their resort in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada. Jerry was a very caring and loving grandfather to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They will all cherish their special memories. Grandpa taught them all humor and laughter, and this will take them far in life. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; one sister and two nephews. He is survived by his wife Mary Jane of Staples; daughters Paula (Earl) Damm and Peggy (Scott) Loween of Wadena; son Chris (Linda) of Atwater; 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; one sister and three brothers. Burial will take place in the Hay Creek Cemetery near Sebeka. Pallbearers will be Jed Knuttila, Jick Knuttila, Dan Schroeder, Dave Schroeder, Doug Schroeder, Troy Gebhardt, Reid Knuttila, Jorn Knuttila, Steve Knuttila, Gery Knuttila, and Glen Knuttila. Honorary pallbearers are all of the grand and great-grandchildren. View this Videotribute

Jerry Knuttila

February 2, 1931 - May 23, 2005