Ronald Duane Knutsen

Ronald Duane Knutsen, of Lake City, Florida, earned his heavenly wings on April 22, 2021, after battling multiple illnesses, at the age of 78.  He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to the late Donald Knutsen and late Shirley Erickson Mitchell.  He leaves behind Joanne Bahrke Knutsen, who was the love of his life for 49 years.  They were united as one in 1972 at St John’s Lutheran Church, Hillman, Michigan. Surviving children; Stacie (Keith) McDonough of Georgia, Stephanie (David) Jackson of Georgia, and Sarah (Rodney) Mann of Georgia.  Grandchildren; Kelsey, Mason, Dylan, Emma Grace, Shelbi, and Samantha.  Brother, Alan (Kim) Knutsen and sister, Sherry Sprayberry.  Also surviving are daughter; Kristi (Tim) Canfield of Washington, and Eric (Alison) Knutsen of England.  Grandchildren; Kramer, Alec, Luc, and Isabel.  As well as, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loyal, faithful fur-baby Coco of 14 years.

He was a 1961 graduate of Olympia High School, Washington, where he wished to pursue a career in architecture.  That same year, he enlisted into the US Navy as a seaman recruit.  Served as a civilian mechanic in Vietnam for 2 years.  In a span of 37 years he was a tire engineer in Michigan, North Dakota, Wyoming, Kentucky, and Georgia.  Retiring in 1999 from the tire industry, he and Joanne became owner operators of R&J Transit for 16 years.  He happily retired in 2015.  In his lifetime, he spent his days reading and sharing the Bible, woodworking, pheasant and deer hunting, fishing, archery, riding motorcycles, grilling outdoors, square dancing, traveling, and visiting family and friends, far and wide.

His love and devotion to God instilled in him the desire to serve as an elder of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.  He was involved in the Promise Keepers, TEC, and Kairos communities.  He lived to spread the Word of God to all he met.  His love for the homeless and less fortunate, allowed him opportunities to not only feed them, but to nourish their soul.

 A Memorial service will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lake City, Florida, on May 15, 2021. At 11:00 A.M.

Due to his compassion for the unborn, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to donate.FocusontheFamily.com or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lake City, Florida.

Cremation handled by Guerry Funeral Home. GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 2659 S.W. Main Blvd., Lake City, Florida. www.guerryfuneralhome.net

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