Bethol Knutson

Funeral Service for Bethol Knutson, 94, of Dickinson, will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 19, 2025 at Living Word Fellowship Church, Dickinson, ND with Pastor Scott Skones officiating. Burial will follow at the Dunn Center Cemetery.

Visitation will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, ND, with a Prayer Service taking place at 4:00 p.m.

Bethol passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025, surrounded by her family at St. Luke's Home, Dickinson.

Bethol Jean Olson Knutson was born February 6, 1931 at Dunn Center, ND at the home of her beloved aunt and uncle, Angeline and Wilbur Freer. She was the daughter of Lillian Olson/Krieger and Thomas Olson. She grew up in the Badlands, where one of her greatest joys as a child was riding horseback.

She started school the day after her 6th birthday; and thus spent only four months in first grade. She attended country schools in her early years, then lived with her aunt and uncle while attending high school in Dunn Center, where she graduated in 1948. She attended Dickinson State Teacher’s College for four quarters; and then began teaching the fall of 1949 at the Connelly School, north of Dunn Center, with five students in her charge.

She married Kenneth Knutson on November 12, 1950 at Normanna Lutheran Church in Dunn Center. To this union five children were born, Brenda, Karen, Kim, Paul, and Lori. They farmed and ranched on the Knutson family farm for over 30 years. She was an active partner in the work—raking hay, raising chickens, milking cows, driving truck, and tending to a large garden.

She was well known for the exceptional baking—especially her donuts, twists, and sour cream raisin bars. After retirement, she continued sharing her talents by working in the bakeries at Jerry’s Super Valu and the Roundup Cafe.

Among her many talents, she was a gifted seamstress, creating clothing for her children, grandchildren, baby dolls, and Barbies. She also made beautiful quilts and spent her life crocheting, crafting countless afghans with love. Her other hobbies included reading and entertaining family, neighbors, and friends.

Bethol was very active in her church and community, and was a tireless worker in every organization to which she belonged. She was a member of the Hope Homemaker’s Club, and held offices in the local chapter of the American Legion Auxiliary, St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary, Normanna Lutheran Church council, WELCA, Red Hats, the local and district Cattlewomen’s organization, and the State Hospital Auxiliary board. She was also a Hospice volunteer for 33 years, where she met her special friend, Archie Jalbert.

She was a warm, loving, and patient Mother. Her faith sustained her throughout her life. She always had time to lend a listening ear, help with a project, or attend activities her children were involved in. She was a generous and giving person, always putting the welfare of others before herself. These same qualities made her a wonderful caregiver. She will be missed by her family and all who knew her.

Bethol is survived by her children, Brenda (Tom) Pieterick of Bismarck; Karen Boehm of Killdeer; Kim (Ann) Knutson of Dunn Center; Paul (Deb) Knutson of Dickinson; and Lori (Elvis) Kadrmas of Horace; bonus son, Tim Roshau of Killdeer; grandchildren, Chad (Angie Boehm); Angie (Ryan) Thomas; Cora (Anthony) Suda; Kate (Nate) Hillmer; Tori (Tyler) Patterson; Kristi Knutson; LeeAnn (Mike) Anderson; Kelsey Knutson; 11 great-grandchildren; sister Margie Krieger (Alvin) Kelling of FL; and sister-in-law Cheryl Krieger of Joliet, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Lillian (Olson) Krieger; stepfather Adolph Krieger, husband Kenneth Knutson; sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Rueben Knutson; brothers Adrian and Fred Krieger; son-in-law Jerry Boehm, sister-in-law Darlene Krieger, and special friend Archie Jalbert.

The family wishes to thank St. Luke’s Nursing Home staff for the wonderful care Bethol received while living there.

Bethol’s family suggests memorials to Heartland Hospice, Connect Medical Clinic or Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch.

Bethol's Funeral Service will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@livingwf