Wallace Adelbert Knutson, 79 of Brookings, passed away Sunday, December 19, 2010 at the United Retirement Center. Funeral services will be held 2:00pm Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at First Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 6:00pm Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at Rudes Funeral Home in Brookings.

Wally was born on October 5, 1931 to Christ and Grace Knutson in Clear Lake, SD. He served in the United States Army from 1952-1954. Wally was united in marriage to LaVonne Hays on February 5, 1955. He worked at the Farmers Cooperative in Brookings for 39 years until his retirement in 1993.

Wally was a member of the Brookings Volunteer Fire Department for 33 years until he reached mandatory retirement at age 65. He was a member of the Brookings VFW Post #2118, he enjoyed going hunting and fishing with his family and friends.

Wally is survived by his wife LaVonne, of Brookings, three children; Steven Knutson and wife Anita of Toronto, SD, Rhonda Patrick and husband Gary of Brookings, SD, Gary Knutson and wife Jenean of Brookings, 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Merle and Glen, two sisters; JoAnn (Seas) and Carolyn and two daughters Debra and Kim.