Courtney Knutson

Courtney "Corky" Knutson was born December 8, 1952, at Mitchell, South Dakota, the son of Delbert and Charlotte Barker Knutson. He was raised at Letcher, South Dakota, where he received his education. Following his education he was employed in construction work in Iowa. On December 9, 1977, Corky was united in marriage with Joni DeLance at Onawa, Iowa. Their union was blessed with four children, Donald, Dustine, Garret and Devon. They made their home in Denison, Iowa, where Corky was employed as a maintenance man at Dubuque Packing Company. After Dubuque closed he was employed in maintenance at IBP, now Tyson Foods, in Denison until retiring due to failing health in December of 2007. In 2002, Corky and Joni moved to their acreage north of Deloit, Iowa, where Corky loved being outside enjoying nature and wildlife and caring for their acreage. As an outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting and riding his motorcycle. His best times in life were those spent socializing with family and friends. Corky died early Monday, March 30, 2009, at Burgess Health Center in Onawa, Iowa. At the time of his death he had been blessed with 56 years, 3 months and 12 days. Corky was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Pete Knutson. Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife, Joni Knutson of Deloit, four children, Donald Knutson and wife, Jamie of Crooks, South Dakota, Dustine Knutson of Yankton, South Dakota, Garret Knutson and wife, Beth of Denison and Devon and husband, Mike Shellito of Council Bluffs, Iowa, five grandchildren, one brother, Joe Knutson and wife, Julie of Letcher, South Dakota, three sisters, Susie Knutson of Mitchell, South Dakota, Penny and husband, David Brooks of Letcher, South Dakota, and his twin sister, Candy Cross of Mitchell, South Dakota, other relatives and friends.