Diane Knutson

Diane Audrey Knutson of Roseville, MN passed away peacefully on Saturday May 3rd after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma and chronic kidney disease. She was 68 years old.

She was born on June 8th, 1955, at the Sleepy Eye Hospital to Orville and Beverly (Ruud) Knutson. She attended Our Savior's Lutheran Church and graduated from Fairfax High School in 1974, where she developed her love of music. She then graduated with a degree in music from Augustana College in 1978, where she played trumpet in the Augustana Concert Band and was a music librarian there.

After college, Diane moved to St Louis Park where she worked for Schmidt Music Company. She joined the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. She was a beloved member of their choir and Director of the Youth Handbell Choir for many years. Diane loved working with the young children and sharing her strong faith and love of music. She was also a member of the John Phillip Sousa band in Edina and was a music librarian. She especially loved it when her dad Orville would drive to the cities to hear her perform with the band.

Diane later moved to Roseville, where she joined Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. She began teaching Sunday School and vacation Bible School, engaged in senior activities, and was an active volunteer for Sunday services greeting members. She worked for Allina Health and retired in 2020. Diane was an active Aunt in the lives of all her nieces and nephews: Michael Knutson, Breanna Hanson, Kimberly Blue, Melissa Traynor, Michelle Anderson, Vicky Knutson, Bradley Knutson, Isabella Kordosky, Jacob Skordahl, Josh Skordahl. She spent many days at parades, recitals, competitions, and parties and they meant the world to her.

Diane is survived by her six siblings - Julie (Nick) Kordosky, Lorraine (Dean) Skordahl, Rodney (Penny) Knutson, Jim Knutson, Jerry (Leslie) Knutson, Steven (Robin) Knutson, many nieces and nephews and families, and Uncle Clair (Darlene) Knutson. Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Beverly Knutson, sister-in-law Wendy (Kiecker) Knutson, uncle Elmer Knutson, aunts Irene Glass, Iona Bleick, Helen Riekeand Marcella Mayfield.

A celebration of life for Diane will be held on June 20th at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Roseville. The service will be held at 11am with visitation one hour prior. Diane requested any memorials to be dedicated to the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Youth Programs.