(veteran)

Orval A. Knutson, 77

Orval A. Knutson, 77, of Arlington, died June 30,2002, at his home.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 5, at the Arlington Community Church with the Rev. Lynn Martin officiating. Interment will be in the Arlington Cemetery. Military graveside services will be conducted by members of V.F.W. Post No. 8332 and American Legion Post No. 71, both of Arlington. Visitation began Wednesday and will continue Friday morning at the church.

Orval A. Knutson was born July 7, 1924, in Verdel to Anton and Selma (Haugen) Knutson. He grew up at Niobrara, where he attended schools.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the 20th Armored Division, 27th Tank Battalion. He served from April 9, 1943 to Feb. 13, 1946, in the European, African and Middle Eastern theaters. He served as a medium tank driver. For a while, Mr. Knutson was a personal driver for Gen. George Patton. He served in the Battle of the Bulge, and helped liberate the Dachau Prison Camp.

Following his discharge from the service, he returned to Niobrara, where he worked for the Chicago & North Western Railroad. He moved to Arlington in 1963, and retired in 1985 after 36 years with the railroad. He was then employed for eight years with the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

On Aug. 10, 1949, he married Joan Sattler. On March 9, 1973 he married Karen Kock Christiansen.

He was a member of the Arlington Community Church; a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles No 920 in Blair, and a life member of V.F.W. Post No, 8332 of Arlington. He was a longtime active member of the Arlington Multi-Purpose Over 60 Center, and volunteered his time to the Time Dollar Program of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging in Omaha.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; four sons and daughters-in-law, Norm and Angie Knutson of Dayton, Ohio, Don and Pat Knutson of Indianapolis, Ind., Dean Knutson of LaCrosse, Kan., and Jim Knutson of Fremont; two daughters, Marilyn Kuddes of Fremont and Barb Frink of Grand Island; two stepdaughters, Diane (Mrs. Joe) Sjuts of Fremont and Pam Courtwright of Mondamin, Iowa; two brothers, Andy Knutson of Verdigre, and Marvin Knutson of Lincoln; sister, Elma Barnes of Niobrara; seven grandsons and seven granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters.

Memorials are suggested to the Arlington Community Church or the Arlington Multi-Purpose Over 60 Center.

Reckmeyer-Moser Funeral Home in Arlington is in charge of arrangements.

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~