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Melvin

Knutson, 77

Melvin Knutson, 77, of Post Falls, passed away suddenly Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, at Kootenai Health. Mel was born July 23, 1940, to John and Edna Knutson in Sherwood, N.D.

Mel spent his early years on his family’s farm where he developed a true passion for agriculture and machinery. He graduated from North Dakota State University in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in civil and agricultural engineering. On Aug. 18, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart Beverly Thompson, also of Sherwood. Upon graduation, they moved to the Pacific Northwest where he worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Montana, Washington, Oregon and Idaho until his retirement in 1995.

Mel was a man of abounding talent. He was passionate about restoring old cars, (especially his 1955 T-Bird). He was a master at wood carving and created everything from ducks, birds, cars, boats and airplanes, to historically correct Viking ships, all to scale. He loved fishing, eagles, and all things NASA and space. Mel genuinely loved talking to people about any subject and was always more than willing to tell others what they could do, how they could do it and why they should do it. He was very involved at Trinity Lutheran Church as a greeter, usher and lefsa maker. He was a member of the Sons of Norway and a past member of North Idaho Car Classics. Mel loved the Seattle Seahawks, Gonzaga Bulldog basketball and NDSU Bison football.

Mel is survived by his wife of 55 years, Beverly; daughter Lori Edwards of McGregor, Texas; son Eric Knutson and Ronda (Davis) of Oregon City, Ore.; grandchildren Blaine Bickley (Becca) and Kaycee Edwards of Texas, and Hannah Knutson of Oregon; great-grandchildren Bria and Bella Bickley of Texas; brothers Mervin (Agnes) Knutson of Tolley, N.D., and Jerome Knutson of Temple, Texas; several nieces and nephews; and the newest member of his family, Karlee the dog. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Edna; son-in-law James Edwards; and Foxxi the dog.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Mel’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.