ESTHERVILLE — Kim A. Knutsen, 83, of Estherville, passed away July 6, 2026, in Sibley.
Kim was born February 2, 1943, in Estherville, the son of Edgar Knutsen and Jean Richardson Knutsen. He grew up in Estherville and attended Estherville Public Schools, where athletics became an important part of his youth.
He competed in baseball, football and basketball, and continued athletics at Estherville Junior College. He was also known for his diving ability and represented Estherville in summer swim meets.
Kim later attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, where he was recruited to play basketball. His path changed when the football coach asked him to join the team, and Kim went on to play linebacker for Coe.
After earning a teaching degree from Coe, Kim taught and coached for two years in Colo, Iowa. In 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army. He served two years in the military, including one year in Vietnam, and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Air Medal for his service.
After returning from the military, Kim moved to West St. Paul, Minnesota, and worked for Minnesota Mutual until his retirement.
Away from work, Kim enjoyed time outdoors and time with friends. He spent summers fishing at his cabin in Wisconsin and was known to grow flowers that he shared with coworkers after weekends away. In winter, he enjoyed cards and conversation with friends in St. Paul.
Kim is survived by his sister, Karen Shaw and her husband, Ronald; his brother, Kerry Knutsen; step-siblings Jim Ricke and his wife, Beth, JoAnn Wragge and her husband, David, and Dick Ricke and his wife, Charlotte; along with nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel, 401 North 7th Street in Estherville.
A funeral service will follow at 10:30 AM Tuesday at the funeral chapel. Kim’s final resting place will be St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Estherville.
Henry-Olson Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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