MERLYN "BUD" N KNUTSON, SR.

Merlyn Norman Knutson Sr. “Bud”, 92 of Devils Lake, ND died Friday, April 7, 2017 at Eventide Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake surrounded by his children. Merlyn was born July 2, 1924 in Michigan, ND to Martin and Nettie (Hansen) Knutson. He was a twin to sister Marcella. Merlyn joined the US Army in 1951 and served in Seoul, Korea. He was honorably discharged due to injuries sustained while he was serving his country. Merlyn was at one time married to Mary Jo Greywater. Merlyn held various jobs and was a hard worker who worked all his life. He loved working on his sister Marcella Samuelson and brother-in-law’s farm at Adams, ND. Merlyn always had an open hand to help those in need.  Merlyn is survived by his children Raymond (Maxine) Buckles, Marilyn (Phil) Knutson, Marcella (Pete) Knutson, Kimberly Knutson, Melvin (Theresa) Knutson and Michelle (Gary) Reiger; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren who were his pride and joy. Many nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his son Merlyn “Baby” Knutson Jr.; his parents; sisters Bernice Clocksin, Selma Heffta, Marcella Samuelson, Agnes Broussard, Gladys Nyberg, Lorraine Hillebrand and Nora Roe Knutson; brothers Obert Knutson, Rueben Knutson and Melvin Knutson. We would like to thank Heartland Care Center/Eventide and their staff for the 12 years of outstanding care to our Dad. Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Buckles, John Lunde, Shilo Knutson, Anthony Longie, Marshall Longie, Johnathan Knutson and Merlyn Knutson III. Honorary Bearers are the Heartland Care Staff, Jerry and Geraldine Samuelson, Frances “Punchy” (Cavanaugh) and Terry Halsey and family and Olissa Charbonneau. Funeral Services for Bud will be held Saturday, April 22, 2017 at the Eventide Heartland Care Chapel, Devils Lake at 10:00 a.m. with Rachel Johnson, Heartland Care Center Chaplain, officiating. Lunch will follow the funeral services on Saturday at Ruger Park, Devils Lake. All are welcome.  Graveside Services and burial will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at the East Sarnia Lutheran Cemetery, rural Whitman, ND. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 21, 2017 at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and will continue on Saturday at Eventide Heartland Care Chapel one hour prior to the funeral service. Merlyn is in the care of the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake