Knutson, Marlys Elora (nee Groff)

Knutson, Marlys Elora (nee Groff)

August 6, 1933 – April 4, 2018
Age 84 of Lake Elmo. She was born to Melvin Gothard Groff and Lulla Elvina (Baalson) Groff on a farm in Nerstrand, Minnesota, where they attended Valley Grove Lutheran Church. Marlys graduated from St. Olaf College in 1955, and went on to become one of the first female floor managers in Donaldson’s Department Store in Rochester and Minneapolis, MN. She married Robert Gordon Knutson in 1962, and they had two sons. Marlys was an avid traveler, visiting Norway four times, Italy once, and many, many places in the U.S. Marlys is survived by her two sons, Erik and Karson, six grandchildren, Alix, Manny, Ainsley, Tyler, Radley, and Reed, and a sister, Marilyn Zielke. During her life she was a devoted and loving mother who always put her boys first. Marlys was a prolific artist, reader, and gift giver. Her memory will be kept alive by her sons and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and her sister Ardis. She requested no service. (Published in the Pioneer Press on April 15, 2018).