Orlyn Dean Knutson, 78

Orlyn Dean Knutson, 78, passed away on Monday, May 21, 2012, at his residence in Kalispell.

He was born on April 22, 1934, at Brooklyn Township, Williams County, N.D., to Olai and Borghild (Holte) Knutson. He graduated from Epping High School in 1952.

Orlyn received his Bachelor of Science degree from Minot State College in Minot, N.D., in 1961, and received his Master of Science degree with an emphasis in business administration from the University of Oregon in 1966. He did graduate work at the University of Montana and UC Berkeley, among others.

Orlyn served in the U.S. Navy and was discharged in 1957. He married Marilyn Jarland in 1959 in Wheelock, N.D.

Orlyn worked at various office jobs until receiving his teaching certificate in 1961. He taught high school in Darby; Illinois Valley High School, Cave Junction, Ore.; and Pacific Grove High School in Pacific Grove, Calif. He retired from Flathead Valley Community College as a business instructor in 1987, after 30 years of service in Montana.

He loved to play golf, play cards, read Westerns and watch Western movies. He was a member of BPOE.

Orlyn was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; son, Neal, and wife, Robin, of Kalispell; grandchildren, Morgan, Rebecca and Cole of Kalispell; and sister, Annice Vig.

A private family service has taken place. No formal services will be held, at his request.

Memorial contributions can be made in Orlyn’s name to Home Options Hospice, 275 Corporate Drive, Suite 600, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Orlyn’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Orlyn’s tribute wall.