Gayle (Mickelson) Knutson

Gayle was born in West Fargo February 28th, 1957 to Walter and Geraldine Knutson (Murdoff). Her family lived in West Fargo until 1966 when her parents, siblings and she moved to California. She gained skills working with her father learning carpentry and mechanics and often helped her mother with childcare. While residing in California, Gayle enjoyed softball, dirt biking and family vacations. Gayle graduated the class of 1975 at Valentia High School in Placentia CA where her life soon began with marriage and children.

Gayle returned to Minnesota in 1990 with her family of children and began a new life in Park Rapids. She had a love for the lakes, fishing, tubing and anything that had to do with spending time with her family. Gayle was always a devoted mother who was often known for taking in friends and treating them as her own family. She is known to be a coach and a mom to many more than her own three children. Gayle spent much of her time as a homemaker with a carefree, good to be weird kind of spirit who grew to be a proud mother and grandmother.

On November 6th, 2020 Gayle passed away in Fargo at 63 years of age fighting terminal illness. She showed us all her courage and willpower on her journey through life as she often battled with long term health problems. She is an inspiration of strength to us all and will be dearly missed by family and friends.

Gayle is survived by her mother: Geraldine Knutson (Murdoff); brothers: Michael and Steven Knutson; sisters: Brenda and Karen Knutson; son: David Nading; daughters: Joyce (Luth) Williams; and Susan (Luth) Adams; and aunt: Charline (Charlie) Murdoff. Her true love and joy were with her six grandchildren: Jaqui, Willow, Tyse, Xander, Cody and Reece. She is preceded in death by her father: Walter Knutson; uncle: Elmer Knutson; aunt and uncle: Joyce (Murdoff) and Joseph Braunagel.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gayle (Mickelson) Knutson, please visit our floral store.