Velva Marie (Esping) Knutson

Velva Knutson, of Madison, formerly of Dawson, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at Prairie Winds Assisted Living in Madison at the age of 99.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 22, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church in Dawson.  Pastor Kendall Stelter will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Arrangements are with Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson.  www.andersontebeest.com

Velva Marie Esping was born November 17, 1924 in Porter, MN to Thorbjon and Nannie (Goslar) Esping.  She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith.  Velva was united in marriage to James Knutson on March 26, 1953 at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota, MN.  They made their home in Gary, SD where they farmed and Velva worked at the nursing home in Clear Lake, as the activities director.  The family moved to Dawson in 1970. Velva continued her work at the nursing home in Dawson, where she started an activities department and went on to work there for 30 years.

Velva was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and also served as a member of the VFW Auxiliary. Velva was a very talented painter and quilter; as well as, an excellent seamstress. She loved the outdoors and spent many hours at her farm mowing the lawn.

Velva is survived by her daughters, Debra (Duane) Gabriel of Rice Lake, WI, Linda Moe of Madison, MN, Sandra (Glenn) Lehr of Britton, SD and Gloria (Daniel Wright) Knutson of Madison, MN.  Grandchildren, Stacy Ziegler, Angela Moe, Jeramy (Brandi) Stark, Jacob Stark (significant other, Alexandra), Joseph (Kari) Stark, Melissa Stark (significant other, Chad), and Danielle Theye.  Great Grandchildren, Sophie Ziegler, Jeris & Nakaya Stark, Ethan Johnson, Dylan Stark & Ava Stark; sister-in-law, Marilyn Esping; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thorbjon & Nannie Esping; husband, James Knutson; granddaughter, Shelley Moe; brothers, Ervin (Ruth) Esping, Harlan (Ann) Esping, Marvin Esping, Alden Esping; son-in-law, Dennis Moe; and grandson-in-law, Larry Ziegler.

Blessed be her memory.