Thief River Falls – Eloda Knutson, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023 surrounded by her loving family at Greenleaf Assisted Living in Thief River Falls.
Eloda Mae Grover was born on November 3, 1934, in Roosevelt, to William and Helen (Johnson) Grover. She graduated from Warroad High School in 1952 and then went on to Moorhead State Teacher’s College. Eloda began serving as a teacher in 1955 but did not finish her degree until 1958 when she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She has been a lifetime learner and completed much additional coursework throughout her teaching career.
Eloda taught students in Thief River Falls for 3 years, next going on to Alexandria for 2 years, and then to Robbinsdale, where she taught for 5 years. Eloda was united in marriage to Sheldon J. Knutson on July 24, 1965, in Warroad. Since they owned a Hartz Store in Goodridge, Eloda started teaching fourth grade at the Goodridge School that fall. She taught students there for the next thirty years (having the pleasure of working with more than one generation of some families). In 1995, Mrs. Knutson retired from full-time teaching but continued to serve as a substitute teacher until 2014.
Besides having taught at Goodridge School, Eloda played the organ at Telemarken Church, serving as that church’s treasurer for many years. When the church closed in 2005, she became a member at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. She continued to serve with the Women’s Missionary Federation, participating in Bible studies and being a part of the Our Saviour’s quilters group.
Many enjoyable times were shared at the “Knutson Get-a-way” cabin near Hayes Lake State Park: blueberry picking, hiking and hunting, riding snowmobiles and skiing cross country as well as many Christmas celebrations.
Eloda embraced Sheldon’s interest in Minneapolis Moline tractors and memorabilia, attending Minneapolis Moline conventions and joining him in hosting a gathering of Minneapolis Moline Collectors Club members at their farm in 2002.
She was an active member of the American Association of University Women for several years as well as the local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Northland Retired Teachers Association and Friends of the Library. She also held a membership in the Minnesota and National Education Associations, along with having enjoyed book clubs and being a part of Christian Business Women’s meetings.
She also enjoyed planting and growing flowers (roses and gladioli, especially) and tended many raspberry bushes.
Eloda is survived by her siblings, Lilyan (Harvey) Lindstrom, Neil (Arlene) Grover, Richard (Carol Lynn) Grover, Kenny (Sandy) Grover, Connie (Paul) Wold, Gary Grover; sisters-in-law, Kay (Jack) Grover, Karen (Paul) Grover and Gayle (Earl) Mathison. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death: her parents, William and Helen (Johnson) Grover; her husband of 46 years, Sheldon J. Knutson; her parents-in-law, Knute and Gerda (Hegrenes) Knutson; brothers, Paul Grover, Bernard Grover and Jack Grover; sister, Esther Heath; sisters-in-law, Betty (Paul) Grover, Charlene (Richard) Grover, Bonnie (Bernard) Grover; brothers-in-law, Willie Heath and Paul Wold; a sister-in-law, Ruby Hegrenes Smith and a brother-in-law, Clarence Smith.
Funeral for Eloda will be held 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Reverend Alex Amiot and Vicar Scott Olson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be held at Telemarken Cemetery, rural Goodridge.
Please make donations to your favorite charity. Cards can be sent to Connie Wold, 109 4th Ave. W, Viking, MN 56760.
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