Funeral services for Russell W. Knutson, age 76, of Bricelyn, will be 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23, at the United Lutheran Church in Frost. The Rev. Patricia Hinkie and the Rev. Ed Nieman will officiate. Visitation was at the Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Bricelyn on Sunday, Dec. 22, from 2-6 p.m., and visitation one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Interment will be in the United Lutheran Cemetery in Frost, with military honors by the Bricelyn American Legion Post.

He died Thursday, Dec. 19, 2002, at the home of his daughter in Minneapolis.

Russell was born Aug. 29,1926, the son of Edwin and Gena (Graue) Knutson in Frost. He married Ardis Helland on Oct. 14,1951, at Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Frost.

Russell grew up in Frost and graduated from Frost High School. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army. He worked for the Faribault County Highway Department most of his life. He was a charter member of the Frost Ambulance Squad, served on the Frost City Council, was a member of the Frost Fire Department, and was a Boy Scout leader. He was a member of Bricelyn Lutheran Church, a former member of United Lutheran Church in Frost, and past commander and member of the Nels Lee American Legion Post in Bricelyn. Russell enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling and playing cards.

He is survived by his wife, Ardis of Bricelyn; three daughters: Nancy (husband Mario) Carrillo of Minneapolis, Bonnie Simonson (fianc Lowell Grunzke) of Wells, andCheri (husband Rich) Jensen of Kiester; one son, Neil (wife Amy) Knutson of Karlstad, Minn.; 17 grandchildren; one sister, Edith Patterson of Yuma, Ariz.; one brother,. Gerald Knutson of Blue Earth; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Robert; and one nephew.