Loretta Eileen Knutson

Loretta Eileen Knutson, 87, of Caledonia, Minn., passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.

Loretta was born on January 19, 1938, in Spring Grove, Minn., to James and Edith (Haugstad) Nerstad. She graduated from Spring Grove High School in 1955 and attended Luther College. On August 3, 1957, she was united in marriage to Lawrence Knutson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove, Minn.

Loretta is survived by her loving husband Lawrence Knutson, her sons Alan (Deb) Knutson and Mark Knutson, five grandchildren: Jesse (Sam) Knutson, Emma (Andy) Fort, Amber (Richie) Meiners, Taylor (Caroleena) Knutson, and Miranda (Dallas) Terry; and seven great-grandchildren: Aiden and Garrett Fort, Kinley, Makenna and Kalan Meiners, Owen Knutson, and Dottie Knutson. She is also survived by her sisters Diane Nerstad and Elizabeth (Neil) Rowley, her brother-in-law Trygve (Janet) Knutson, and her sisters-in-law Carol Nerstad, Marion Nerstad and Ruth Knutson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her grandson Casey Knutson, her daughter-in-law Molly Knutson, her parents-in-law Anton and Helma Knutson, her brothers Ronald and John Nerstad, her sister Linda Nerstad Kemp, and her brothers-in-law Steve Kemp and Stanley Knutson.

Loretta was employed by the USDA–ASCS for 31 years, with the final 25 years of her career serving as manager of the Houston County ASCS office. After her retirement, she and her husband operated a landscaping business for 10 years. She had a deep love for the outdoors and the plants God provided. Loretta and Lawrence also raised Shetland Sheepdogs and sold purebred puppies.

Loretta was active at Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she served on the church council, including one year as council president, and participated in the church quilting group. She was a founding member of the Houston County Master Gardeners, served six years on the Houston County Fair Board, and was involved with the Thrivent for Lutherans board. She and Lawrence owned a hobby farm, where Loretta especially enjoyed working in her garden and caring for the Shetland Sheepdogs they raised.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorials be given.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Caledonia, Minn., with visitation at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Pastor Steve Meyer will officiate. Burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery in Caledonia.

Roble Funeral Home of Spring Grove is assisting the family with arrangements.