David Allan Knutsen

David Allan Knutsen, a lifelong resident of Merced, passed away on October 21st at the age of 73. One of two children born to Edna and Henry Knutsen, he was born in Merced, CA on September 29, 1938. Dave was a graduate of Merced High, Class of 1956 and after graduation, entered the United States Navy as a Medical Corpsmen. After his Honorable discharge from the US Navy, he returned to Merced and began working for Riggs Ambulance Service until joining the City of Merced Police Department in 1960.

Knutsen was a graduate of the Police Academy, the Supervisor Academy and the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. During his career with Merced City, Knutsen worked in numerous capacities including the juvenile division, patrol and investigations. As a Lieutenant with the Merced City Police Department, Knutsen was in charge of the Community Service and Training Division. He later was named Commander of the Investigations Division. After being promoted to Captain, Knutsen was named Commander in Charge of the Administrative Division. He retired as a Police Commander in 1993 after 32 years of service.

Dave Knutsen was a past member of the Jaycees and Merced Elks Lodge #1240 B.P.O.E.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents Edna and Henry Knutsen and his brother Bill. Dave is survived by his wife Hahn and children Allan (Jane) Knutsen and Laura (Jack) Fong. Dave also leaves his granddaughter, Kate Knutsen.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 28, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park

In Lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Merced County Historical Society, 21st and N St., Merced, CA 95340 or to Friends of the Library P.O. Box 2463, Merced, CA 95344-0463.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.