Funeral service for Luella S. Knutson, 92 of Sisseton, SD will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. at the Grace Lutheran Church, Sisseton, with Rev. William Schruba officiating. Organist will be Estelle Pearson and soloist will be Pat Schubert, and Reader will be Larry Goette. Pallbearers will be Larry Martinek, Duane Knebel, LaVern Swenson, Larry Goette, Orace Gunnarson, Dave Koch, and Kervin Steen. Honorary Pallbearers will be Family, Friends, Neighbors, and the Tekakwitha Nursing Center Staff and Residents. Interment will be in the New Effington Community Cemetery, New Effington, SD There will be a visitation on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 from 1:00 to 7:00 PM, with family present from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Cahill Funeral Chapel and one hour prior to the Funeral service at the Church on Thursday. Luella was born on the family farm in Lien Township near New Effington, SD to Alick and Hilda (Braaten) Stowe on January 26, 1919. She was baptized and confirmed at the Zion Lutheran Church. She attended Lien and Hart Township grade school. As a teenager she worked for various families as a housekeeper. On October 3, 1939 Luella was united in marriage to Henry "Hank" Knutson in Wheaton, MN. Most of their married life was spent in the New Effington area farming and then they moved into town in1946. They had one daughter, Gayle. Luella started working in cafes in 1956. They later purchased "Variety and Lunch", and eventually owned the "Knutson Café" until 1971. Her cafes were well known for delicious food and homemade pastries. She was a hard worker and treated her customers with a good meal and a smile. Hank died suddenly in June 1973. Luella then learned to drive the car. In 1981 she moved to Sisseton to be near her family, whom she loved very much. She lived at the Tekakwitha Apartments for twenty seven years and Jard Apartments for two years. Finally, Luella moved into the Tekakwitha Living Center on March 1, 2010, after she had fractured her hip in July of 2009. While at the TLC, she enjoyed socializing, attending church, playing bingo and poke no, and listening to special entertainment for the first eleven months. She made some good friends with the staff and residents. The last five months Luella was ill most of the time. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and presently Grace Lutheran Church. In the past she was in Ladies Aid, Circle and a serving group. During her life, Luella enjoyed the simple things in life, such as spending time with family and friends. She looked forward to going out for coffee and visiting, baking, cooking, and entertaining. She was quick to make lunch for company. She appreciated everything that was done for her and always said "Thank You", even close to the end of her life. Luella liked to listen to country and "Old-time" music, dancing when younger, and had a good sense of humor. She also took pride in her appearance and liked to dress up nice every day. Luella was a sweet little lady with a big heart, a lot of determination, and still had a remarkable memory. She was always worried about family members. "Drive Careful" and "Take care of yourself " were favorite reminders. Luella passed away on June 26, 2011 after months of "fighting the good fight" with cancer.
Luella is survived by her daughter, Gayle and husband Boyd Hansen, grandchildren, Scott and Brenda Hansen, Jace Hansen, Heather and Ronnie Grajczyk; great grandchildren, Chelsea and (Travis Schulz), Whitney Hansen, Heidi Hansen, and Brooke and Briana Grajczyk, great-great grandchildren, Bradley, Adriene, and Klyer; two brothers, Ken and Margaret Stowe of New Effington, SD, and Curtis and LeAnn Stowe of New Effington, SD; brother-in-law Wayne and Esther Knutson; sisters-in-law Hazel and Harvey Marxhousen; Lorene Knutson, Doris Knutson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Luella will be missed very much. She was dearly loved by family.
Luella was preceded in death by her husband, Hank, her parents Alick and Hilda ( Braaten) Stowe; one brother, Lloyd Stowe; two sisters, Jeannette Martinek and Loraine Westby.