Odell Gaylord Knutson, 90, of Owatonna, died Monday, June 10, 2013 at Homestead Hospice House. Odell was born December 30, 1922 on the family farm in Ellington Township, Dodge County, to Olai Theodore and Gurthie Miranda (Halvorson) Knutson. In 1934 the family, that included his two younger brothers, Walfred and Wayne, moved to a farm southwest of Owatonna. He attended rural school and graduated from Owatonna High School in 1939. A year after meeting Lois Margaret Olson at Trinity Lutheran Church, Odell and Lois married on March 9, 1947. Odell farmed south of Owatonna for four years and then in Meriden township from 1951-1992. His farming goal was always to leave it in better condition than when he bought it. After retiring from farming Odell and Lois lived in Owatonna. Odell greatly enjoyed volunteering at Trinity Lutheran Church: as a Sunday school teacher for 37 years; Congregational President, Secretary, and Deacon; on various committees and boards; on two major building committees; and numerous other tasks. Odell helped establish the morning Exchange Club and served for 32 years. Odell was Meriden Township Clerk for 15 years. With his 'teammate' Lois, Odell delivered Meals on Wheels. Odell served on the ISD 761 Foundation from 1992-1998. Odell and Lois were avid sports fans attending their sons'' and grandchildren''s activities both in Owatonna and Rochester. In 1997 Odell and Lois were recipients of the Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award. Then in 2002 they were selected for the Sertoma Service to Mankind Award. Odell is survived by his wife, Lois Knutson of Owatonna; sons, Gaylord (and Beverly) Knutson of Rochester, Paul (and Deb) Knutson of Owatonna; daughter, Caroline (and Jim) Crompton of Wilmington, DE; brothers, Walfred Knutson of Owatonna, Wayne Knutson of Owatonna; grandchildren, Laura Knutson of Elk Grove Village, IL, Nathan (Rebecca) Knutson of Maple Grove, Erik (Chelsea) Knutson of Minnetonka, Benjamin (Rebecca) Knutson of Woodbury, Peter Knutson of Maxwell A.F.B., AL, Nyssa Crompton of Princeton, NJ, Rebecca Crompton of Wilmington, DE; great-grandchildren, Madeline Knutson of Maple Grove, Henry Knutson of Maple Grove, Samuel Knutson of Maple Grove, Max Knutson of Minnetonka, Elise Knutson of Woodbury. Odell was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Miranda Knutson. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Friday, June 14, 2013 from 4 to 8 p.m. and at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church with The Reverend Julie Malone officiating. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church or donor''s choice. Visitation: 06/14/2013 16:00 06/14/2013 20:00 Service: and one hour before the church service 06/15/2013 10:00