Marvin L. Knutson

Grand Forks, ND; Hibbing, MN; and San Antonio, TX / World War II
  • Military specialty: Flight Instructor
  • Awards: Unknown

b. 14 Jul 1917; d. 24 May 2006.  Marvin Lewellyn “Mike” Knutson was born to Theodore and Lillie (Knudson) Knutson in Revere, MN.  He attended country school and graduated from Lamberton High School in 1935. Following high school, he was awarded a scholarship for flight school in Marshall, MN to earn a pilot’s license.  He further trained in open cockpit and bi-wing aerobatics at White Bear Lake, MN.

During WWII, Mike entered the Army Air Corps in 1942 as a flight instructor and served in Grand Forks, ND; Hibbing; MN, and San Antonio, TX.  From 1944-1945, he was part of the A.A. F. training command and operated in San Antonio, TX and in Oklahoma. After his discharge, he settled in Westbrook, MN, where he started the Westbrook Airport under the GI Bill of Rights and taught flying classes.

On 15 Mar 1947, he married Bonnie “Bon” Bolske; they had 5 daughters.

For 40 years, he ran a farm drainage business including tiling, dredging, and managing the Cottonwood County portion of the Alaskan Pipeline until his retirement in 2000. He also performed EMT services as an ambulance driver for 20 years and served 30 years as a light plant commissioner.

Member and sergeant of arms of the American Legion.

Buried at the Old Westbrook Lutheran Cemetery, Westbrook, MN.

 

  • Obituary: Yes