David Allen Knutson

He is survived by his children, Susan Jaunzarins (Victor), David Knutson (Lisa), and Steven Knutson, as well as grandchildren, Justin (Natalie), Vanessa (Rohit) and Natalie Rydell, Zachary and Brandon Knutson, and great-grandchild, Devin Rydell-Malik. He is also survived by his sister Beverly Stuart and brother, Herbert Knutson, sister-in-law, Marla Harper, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Knutson, brothers-in-law, Roger Stuart and Arthur D. Harper II, and nephew, Arthur Harper III.

Dave was born on January 12, 1935, to Henry and Almiria Knutson in Ottosen, Iowa. He was the middle child between his elder brother, Herbert, and younger sister, Beverly. His sister shared that as a child, David always followed his own path. He never got into trouble as a kid and was often building and repairing things, including his first car, a 1940 Ford sedan. Dave was always protective of his younger sister and was always there for her. They all idolized their Grandpa Peterson. From grade school on, Dave maintained a close relationship with a group of four guys, regularly staying in touch for the remainder of their lives.

Dave’s education was a prominent source of pride for him, including his work as a teacher’s assistant, mentoring students and even outperforming professors. He studied Physics at Drake University, graduating in 1957. From 1953 to 1959, he served twice with the Iowa National Guard and became a recognized sharpshooter. Dave first met his future wife, Nancy Harper, at the local movie theater. While he wasn’t much of an outward romantic, his proposal to Nancy was one for the books. He jotted down his love and commitment to her on the back of his college graduation picture. After a short courtship, they were married in Des Moines on a beautiful Sunday afternoon on August 25, 1957. Their daughter, Susan, was born in 1959. Shortly after that, Dave accepted the position of Telecommunications Engineer with Western Electric in Chicago. He often spoke about his love for the city of Chicago and his train rides to and from work at the Chicago Mercantile. While in Chicago, his sons, David and Steven, were born in Park Forest. In the mid-1960s, Dave and his family were then transferred to Littleton, Colorado, where he settled for the remainder of his career and life.

In Littleton, Dave and his family built a community of neighbors, coworkers and friends. In fact, Dave resided in the same family home and neighborhood for nearly 60 years. Dave and Nancy built close relationships with their neighbors that lasted decades. In the early years, every week included a “Friday Nighter” where the adults enjoyed happy hour while the kids played outside. Dave’s sister Beverly married his childhood best friend Roger, and they maintained a close relationship throughout life. The four of them, often inseparable, enjoyed family celebrations and get-togethers.

Dave was very proud of his work with Western Electric, now known as AT&T, retiring as Senior Technical Consultant Regional Quality Service Manager. He would often speak of his work experiences to loved ones, including how he was only one of four men in the United States that could do the work he did. He was also proud of his leadership and mentoring skills. Throughout his career, Dave carpooled with the same group of neighborhood engineers, and he never left home without his Red Delicious apple.

Over the course of Dave’s life, he and Nancy enjoyed their bowling leagues, playing bridge with friends monthly and visiting the theatre to enjoy live plays. Sunday drives with family to the mountains always included home-packed picnics. Dave was not a man to relax for very long and often sought work around the house or in the yard. During Dave’s retirement, he and Nancy enjoyed spending time with their family. They made frequent visits to Canada to visit his daughter’s family, and they travelled extensively throughout North America and Europe. Dave was a caring neighbor and community member, volunteering in retirement until recently with the Colorado Library for the Blind for over 20 years.

Dave was a loyal family man and devoted father, loving brother, uncle, and grandfather. He was an avid traveller, reader, photographer, and woodworker. He loved Mexican cuisine with a stiff margarita, music, documentaries, and politics. He enjoyed and encouraged spirited debates on current affairs and was known for his very dry sense of humor.

Lovingly known as “Papa” to his grandchildren, Dave could always be relied on to assist with science and math homework, play cards, discuss geography, history, and politics, visit the museum, and enjoy a walk or hike on a sunny day. His grandchildren have fond memories of stovetop popcorn and Shirley Temple movies with their Nana and Papa. While he was a frugal man, he was very generous with contributing to his grandchildren’s education. He could always be counted on to give advice pertaining to car maintenance, how to vote in an election, and how to repair nearly everything in the house.

Those that knew Dave well believed he would outlive us all. Although he is no longer with us, his memory will be carried on for generations. We will miss his voice, advice, company, and most of all, his loyal love.

A memorial service will be at 2 pm on Thursday, February 17, 2022, at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery (6601 South Colorado Blvd), Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Colorado Talking Book Library or the American Cancer Society.