Judith Ann Knutson, of Brownsdale, Minn., died peacefully on June 2, 2025, at her daughter Kim Knutson’s home in rural Spring Valley, Minn. Judy resided with her daughter Kim and husband Steve the last eight months of her life.
Judy was born on October 30, 1937, in Steele County to August (Gus) and Grace (Kubista) Meyer. She was born a twin. Judy met the love of her life, Neil Knutson, when she was a car hop at the local Dew Drop Inn at 15 years old. Neil nicknamed her “Black Beauty.” She was a strikenly beautiful young woman. Judy was married on December 28, 1955, by Reverend Stensland, to Neil Luverne Knutson at Zion Lutheran Church in Dexter, Minn. Following their marriage the couple lived in Brownsdale, Minn., and Rochester, Minn. The Knutson family moved to Lancaster, Calif., where they lived for nine years before returning to rural Spring Valley, Minn.
Judy was very involved with her children’s activities. She was room mother for her children’s classrooms. She always baked fun homemade goodies for the class. She was involved with her children’s many activities: Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, bowling, gymnastics, football, track, softball, jazz and ballet. Her son Brad Knutson was a very talented musician/song writer. He won awards from Nashville, Tenn. Judy and Brad had the same love for country music. Judy went to college for fashion merchandising after she was married. She made trips to New York City to learn more about the New York garment business. Judy loved her children and grandchildren and loved spending time with them. Her son Bradley Knutson died from cancer in 1987 and changed her life forever. Judy was well known for her homemade meals and her marvelous cake decorating. She took great joy in her grandchildren.
Judy is survived by one son, two daughters and one step-daughter: Kim Knutson (Steve) Vandonselaar of rural Spring Valley, Minn., Ryan Knutson of Spring Valley, Minn., Ann (Eric) Anderson of Bagley, Minn., stepdaugther Barbara Meyer of Rochester, Minn., and Barbara’s children; 12 grandchildren: Christopher Knutson (Megan Dahl), Katie (Brian) Bernard, Nick (Kayla) Knutson, Braden (Gretchen) Knutson, Cody Knutson, Joshua Anderson (Kylie Johansen), Jeremiah Anderson, Kendra Anderson (Caleb Waggoner); step-grandchildren Alexa (Jimmy) Vandonselaar and Kurt Vandonselaar; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, two sisters, Phyllis Johnson of Rochester, Minn., and Susie Wilson of St. Paul, Minn; Two sisters-in-law, Judy Bungum of Austin, Minn., and Pat Meyer of Rochester, Minn. She was preceded in death by her husband Neil, her son Bradley, her parents, her brother Ralph Meyer, her sisters Janet Meyer (her twin), Cecelia Kling and Mary Wilson.
The funeral service was held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, 66632 300th Street, Dexter, Minn., with the Pastor Mark Olson officiating. Burial took place in the church cemetery. Arrangements were with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville, Minn. Condolences and memories of Judy are welcome at www.griffin-gray.