Wayne Lester Knutson, 84, of Owatonna, passed away on July 14, 2015 at the Homestead Hospice House, Owatonna. Wayne was born on November 23, 1930 in Ellington Township, Dodge County to Ted and Miranda Knutson. He enjoyed careers in both farming and as a letter carrier. He moved to Owatonna at age 3 to a farm four miles SW of Owatonna. He went to grade school at District 14 and graduated from Owatonna High School in 1948. He met his wife Lucille in grade school. They started dating as freshmen and they were united in marriage on July 18, 1951 at First Baptist Church in Owatonna while Wayne was on leave from the service. Wayne served in the United States Army from 1951 and received his honorable discharge in 1952. Lucille passed away December 9, 2011. Wayne was active in 4-H and FFA. He helped to promote both all his lifetime. He participated in a lot of livestock judging including several national competitions. He was an adult leader in 4-H for several years. Wayne had purebred Jersey Cattle and showed at various fairs during the summer months. Church, family and friends were most important to Wayne. He served for 6 years on Trinity Lutheran Church Board of Deacons and ushered for 58 years. All vacations were to see his children and their families as they live away from Minnesota. Wayne and Lucille also loved to square dance and enjoyed that for about 50 years-dancing as much as 5 to 6 nights a week. Wayne thought square dancing was good exercise and the friends you make are friends forever. Wayne is survived by two children, Kathy (and Sterling) Catacleesi of Palm Springs, CA; a son, Kenneth (and Laurie) Knutson of Mascoutah, IL; six grandchildren, Sara (and Brian) Agne of Tucker, GA; Elizabeth McNelly of Chattanooga, TN; Crystal (and Adam) Gugelmeyer of Marine Corps Station-Hawaii; Sherrie Knutson of Mt. Carmel, IL; Hunter Catacleesi and Tangerine Catacleesi of Palm Springs; two great grandchildren, Hayden and Hannah Agne; a brother, Wally Knutson of Owatonna; and a sister-in-law, Betty Kulas of Owatonna. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille (2011), his parents, a brother Odell Knutson and his wife, Lois. Visitation will be held at Michaelson Funeral Home on Friday, July 17, 2015, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and also one hour prior to the service in the church. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Reverend Richard Steffen officiating. Burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery with honors provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit. Memorials are suggested to the Owatonna Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or the Owatonna Homestead Hospice House. Visitation: 07/17/2015 16:00 07/17/2015 19:00 Service: and also one hour prior to the service in the church 07/18/2015 11:00