Richard Henry Knutson, 81, of rural Claremont, died unexpectedly Wednesday, August 17, 2022 as the result of an accident. He was born November 30, 1940 in Owatonna, Minnesota the son of Milford and Frances (Loushin) Knutson. He grew up in Owatonna and Pine Island, graduating from Pine Island High School in 1958. On a blind date, he met Maxine Brase and the couple was married on April 13, 1963. They had four daughters, Lisa, Anne, Tammy and Joy and lived on a farm just outside of Meriden to the north. Richard worked as a farmer and a welder. He enjoyed spending time with his girls in 4-H and attending their softball games. Maxine died in 1994 as the result of a lightning strike. Richard continued living on the farm. He met Phyllis Harlicker and has been in a relationship for the past 20 years. Richard enjoyed working in his garage restoring his 1957 Chevy. He enjoyed a good movie, his favorite being 'Tommy Boy'. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Spending time outdoors was his passion. Having a nicely groomed yard was a must. He is survived by his four daughters, Lisa (Mark) Baloun of Brainerd, Anne (Dale) Carlson of Forest Lake, Tammy (James) Waalk of Blaine and Joy (Aaron) Keopple of New Richmond, WI; grandchildren, Joey Baloun, Crystal (Christopher) Carlson, Megan Carlson (Andy Stevens), Molly (Alex) Fischer, Max Carlson, Dakota (Erica) Waalk, Hunter Waalk, Logan Waalk, Mariah Keopple and Remington Keopple; great-grandchildren, Brooklynn, Mason, Wyatt, Isabel, Weston, Carter and Niko; brothers, Duane (Kathy) Knutson of Owatonna and Robert Knutson of Faribault and his companion of 20 years, Phyllis Harlicker of Claremont. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milford and Frances; wife, Maxine Knutson (1994), sister, Connie Knutson and an infant sister. A Public Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Monday, August 22, 2022 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM followed by burial at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Meriden. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated.