Craig M. Knutson, 70, of Spearfish, SD peacefully entered into heaven after a long-fought health battle on May 20, 2025 while in care at the Fort Meade Dept. of VA.

Craig M. Knutson was born, along with his twin sister, on January 25, 1955 to Lowell and June (Holmgren) Knutson in Warren, MN.  At a young age, his family moved to Grand Forks, ND, where he attended elementary school.  They later moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where he continued his education, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1973.  After high school, he started college at Black Hills State College for one year.  He then joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a hospital corpsman in Bremerton, WA.  He was honorably discharged after 2 ½ years, returning to Spearfish to continue his education, earning a bachelor's degree in industrial arts.  During this time at college, he met his future wife, Katie Weller.  They were married on January 1, 1983 in Kadoka, her home town.  Together they returned to Spearfish where they have resided since.  They raised four children and have been blessed with nine grandchildren.

Craig enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, and fishing at Newell Lake and Iron Creek Lake, especially cherishing his times at Cotton Lake in Minnesota, first in childhood and later with his own family. Catching bluegills, bass and northerns (a.k.a. snakes with fins). He could be found 'Christmas tree hunting' year round. Providing well for his family, Craig worked at the sawmill for 35+ years. His passion was family, his children and later grandchildren, loving to play with and tease them. He was known by all for his deep generosity and how he faithfully served in practical, often hidden ways to those around him, especially in his church family. He has impacted countless lives and he will be missed and remembered always. Craig had a deep love for and friendship with the Lord. Though he is greatly missed, we are confident he is rejoicing with the Lord even now.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and June Knutson. Craig is survived by his wife, Katie Knutson; children, Sharon (Knutson) Taylor, Kristina (Knutson) Cervantes, Joshua Knutson and Rachel Knutson; siblings Brian Knutson and Catherine (Knutson) McDaniel; much loved family Matt & Kristin Vandersnick; and nine grandchildren.

Memorial Services for Craig will be at 10:30 am on May 31st at Countryside Church in Spearfish.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family and will be forwarded to Hope Ranch International, a trusted ministry which cares for, serves, and protects at-risk youth and impoverished families both domestic and abroad.