Duane Reuben Knutson, 62

Duane Reuben Knutson, 62, passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell. He was born on July 30, 1946, in Havre, to Donald and Helen (Johnson) Knutson.

He was baptized at the American Lutheran Church in Hogeland, confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Great Falls, and was a life-long member of Faith Lutheran. He had also attended church regularly at Faith Free, and the Assembly of God Church in Kalispell, since moving to Kalispell.

Duane graduated from Great Falls High School in 1964, received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., in 1968, and his master's degree from the University of Montana in 1991.

Duane taught school in the Great Falls School District for 31 years, bringing his passion for history to life for his students. He taught one year at Great Falls High School and taught at North Middle School from the date it opened in 1970 through 2000, when he retired from teaching.

Upon retiring, Duane moved to Kalispell, where he spent time volunteering at Youth Court and the Juvenile Detention Center and various other charitable organizations and continued to be actively involved within the community.

Duane loved his parents and was deeply devoted to them and his entire family, just as they loved him and were keenly aware of what a special man he was. Duane was blessed with a large, yet extremely close-knit group of incredible friends in Kalispell whose company and countless adventures together he greatly cherished.

Duane's hobbies included music and playing the piano, traveling, hiking, reading and enjoying every moment spent with his family and many friends. His ever-present positive outlook and love of life, his quick smile, the twinkle in his eye, his selflessness and his passion for giving of himself have undoubtedly touched most of us who are here today in some special way.

Duane will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Don Knutson (Joanne).

Duane is survived by his parents, Donald and Helen Knutson, of Great Falls; his two brothers, Dick and Martha Knutson of Minneapolis, and Dee and Janet Knutson of Great Falls; and his sister, Diane, and Rodger Knutson-Gilmor, also of Great Falls. Other survivors include nieces, Karen and Keith Wain, and Kendal Knutson; and nephews, Jeff Knutson, Jon Knutson and Jennifer, Josh and Tasha Knutson, Marc Knutson, Kolter Knutson, Zach Gilmor and Nathan Gilmor; and grandnephews, Matthew Dahl and Keigan Knutson, and Kyler Knutson and Soren Wain; and grandniece, Carolyne Knutson.

A celebration of life service will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3, at Faith Lutheran Church, 3125 Fifth Ave. S., in Great Falls.

The family suggests memorials be sent to Faith Lutheran Church or to a charitable organization of choice.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Duane's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Duane's guest book.