Kathleen Ann Knuteson-Olson
July 25, 1952 ~ July 19, 2025
Born in:
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Resided in:
Pelican Rapids, Minnesota
Kathleen’s service will be livestreamed below starting at 3:00 PM Friday, July 25, 2025.
Kathleen Ann Knuteson-Olson, 72, passed away July 19, 2025 at Lake Region Hospital, Fergus Falls, MN, surrounded by her beloved family.
Born on July 25, 1952, to John and Elsie (Flesberg) Knuteson in Minneapolis, MN, Kathleen brought joy and warmth to everyone she met. She grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Columbia Heights High School. After moving to the Fargo-Moorhead area, she continued her education at Concordia and graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead.
For over 40 years, Kathleen shared her passion for learning as a dedicated teacher at Pelican Rapids High School, where she inspired countless students and instilled a love for education in their hearts. Her influence extended beyond the classroom; she was deeply involved in the community, serving on the library board in Pelican Rapids and generously fundraising for various local charities.
Kathleen’s heart was as big as her intellect. She loved a lively political debate and treasured evenings spent sharing laughter and a good beer with friends. Her passion extended into her gardens, where she found joy among the flowers, and her love for animals, especially the cats and dogs who were lucky enough to have her as their caretaker.
Kathleen is survived by her mom, Elsie; siblings, Peggy (Bryan) Dehn, Amy (Randall) Kyte, David (Vanessa Kinton) Knuteson; nephews, Matthew (Gabby) Dehn, John Knuteson, Jon (Kristen) Kyte; children, Tiffany (Brian) Nguyen, Phu (Kham) Ha, Thinh Ha, Monica Ha; grandnephew, Ryder Dehn; grandchildren, Tina (Brian) Nguyen, Christopher Nguyen, James (Quan) Nguyen, Jonathan Nguyen, Briana Nguyen, Paulina Ha, Phil Ha; great grandchildren, Connor and Devin Nguyen.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her father, John Knuteson; and sister, Joan Knuteson.
Services
Visitation - Friday: July 25, 2025 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Memorial Service - Friday: July 25, 2025 3:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
She was a great Teacher, she will be missed so much!
RIP KKO
She never failed to find a way to make learning interesting and fun. She will be missed.
I remember KKO creating a space for us (students) to discuss anything and be honest. She was quick to hold anyone accountable for thoughtless or mean words which made all of us love her even more. When I went to college, she was so happy for me. A special teacher, for sure.
KKO was loved by so many – countless lives touched in numerous ways. A dynamic, vibrant, independent, caring, wonderful lady. Thank you, KKO. God’s peace –
So lucky to have bern Kathy’s colleague and friend. We will miss her dearly. Thank you for the beautiful obituary honoring her.
KKO was true gift to countless students, staff and friends. We were blessed to have her in our community! Prayers to KKO’s family.
Sincerely
Marlo & Sheri
KKO was an amazing teacher. She made us all feel welcome with her big smile, hearty laugh, witty banter and open conversations. I’m sending my deepest condolences to all of her friends and family. She will be missed and fondly remembered.
My deepest sympathies to KKO’s family and dear friends. She was a one of a kind educator and person! I’m grateful for the time I spent in her classroom, the chats & discussions outside of class, and traveling with her to many Knowledge Bowl competitions. I always appreciated her honestly, her quick-witted responses (especially to sarcastic teenagers), and her ways of teaching that made us think outside the box.
Wonderful teacher, storyteller & kind person. Thank you KKO, for the wisdom you imparted to everyone along the way, for the laughs you shared & the joy of learning you brought. You will be missed. Sorry for your loss.
Mrs KKO
Thank you KKO for the love, laughter, and leadership you shared with us (your students) and everyone else with whom you came in contact!
I hope we showed you the same amount of love and care that you showed us. ❤️
Thought of her the other day, about when we were in her class talking about the different haunted house in town and how she was writing a book about them. I wondered if she ever did anything with it!
KKO will truly be missed by many! She definitely was one of a kind! 💖
With the deepest of sympathies…
Love, Tammy.
KKO was a favorite teacher to my boys. They loved her kindness, her strength, and her wit. My oldest son, Hayden, was held up by KKO during some difficult high school years. I still have the sympathy card that she wrote when he passed. She wrote that she looked forward to continuing their political debates when they met again. I imagine that he welcomed her with open arms and they are now in a heated, but always friendly and mutually respectful, debate. 🙂 She is and was well loved by so many. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. Love you, KKO!
I’m so sad to learn of Kathy’s passing. She was my roommate in college and I enjoyed her friendship so much. She really lived debating but always was willing to listen to different viewpoints. My heart goes out to her family. Prayers of comfort.
I often think back to how she led her class with such openness and warmth, always welcoming questions and responding with patience and kindness. She personally helped me understand the culture and even supported me by giving me garden chores.
I feel deeply grateful to her and will always carry her memory as an enduring example of goodness.
Always inspirational and sassy in the best way! Your voice to squirrels young students inspired generations of strong smart leaders! You will be missed!
We are keeping Kathy’s family in our prayers, especially Susie (Elsa). Our thoughts and prayers are with you dear friend.
KKO was an amazing woman and teacher. She will be missed.