Marie M. (Dahlen) Knutson, 91

Marie Margarethe Knutson, 91, passed away Feb. 14, 2013, at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene. She was born June 1, 1921, in Bonners Ferry. Her parents, Hartvig and Ingrid Dahlen emigrated from Norway to Bonners Ferry where Marie and her four brothers, Arne, Harold, Ivar and Helge were born before her mother Ingrid’s untimely death in 1924.?In 1927, the family moved from Norway to Newport, Wash., where they built the home that Marie lived in for almost 80 years. Marie graduated from high school in 1938. She served as the caregiver for her father and four brothers since age 12 when she also began teaching Sunday school at American Lutheran Church, of which she is a charter member.?Marie married Karl Knutson, whom preceded her in death. She was a devoted mother to their daughters, Ingrid, Kristine and Karlene. Marie was very involved in the community and loved her 30 years working at Kimmel Drug. Marie took delight in all things Norwegian. She enjoyed playing bridge, baking, church activities, crossword puzzles, was an avid reader but most of all enjoyed her family and friends. Her home was constantly filled with laughter and the coffee pot was always on.?She is survived by daughters, Kristine and her husband David Wold of Hayden, and Karlene Widner of Clinton, Utah; brothers, Arne and wife Charlotte Dahlen of Poulsbo, Wash., and Harold Dahlen of Spokane; numerous nieces and nephews; son-in-law Cary Smith of Oldtown; granddaughters, Ingrid, Katie, Lindsay and Hillary and their husbands, Eli Yates, Casey Morrisroe, Richard Siver and Chad Small; Kirsten Widner, Kari Nuttall, and grandson Rick Widner and his wife Karen. She was a proud “G.G.” to 13 great-grandchildren all of whom adored her. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Karl; brothers, Helge and Ivar; and daughter Ingrid Smith. Marie’s life was filled with faith, family and friends to the very end.?The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at the American Lutheran Church, 332801 State Road 2, Newport. Burial will be at the Newport Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the American Lutheran Church. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Marie's memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.