Rick Dean Knutson

Rick Dean Knutson, 67 passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis after a long, hard fought battle with multiple myeloma. Rick was born on August 26, 1953 in Mason City, Iowa to Everette and Evelyn (Larson) Knutson. On July 28, 1984 he married Jill Eileen Ramage. Rick proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1972-1976. He was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. Rick graduated from University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1980 with a BS in Business Administration. Rick worked for United Parcel Service for 32 years retiring in 2009. There he worked his way up from truck washing to Director of Sales. Rick enjoyed an active life before his illness which included dinners with friends, traveling, golfing, fishing, and watching football. His favorite teams were the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Seattle Seahawks. However, the most defining part of his life was the service he devoted to his family and the Lord. Rick served as an Elder at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Nixa, where he was an usher and a regular at Bible Study. Along with other members of his church, Rick built ramps at several houses around town for those in need. One such ramp that Rick was especially proud to build was the Eagle Scout Project for his son, Ryan. Rick is survived by his wife, Jill; one son, Ryan Knutson of Nixa; one step-daughter, Gail Ebbesmier of Omaha, NE; two grandchildren, Brennan and Giana Ebbesmier, both of Omaha, NE; two sisters, Rebecca Johnson (Glenn), and Mary Seaman, both of Omaha, NE; one brother, Dan Knutson (Kay) of Stillwater, MN; Rick’s father-in-law, Glenn Ramage of Nixa; nieces, Hannah Knutson and Schuyler Seaman; nephews, Jesse Ostdiek (Kelly), Nick Knutson, and Darian Ramage; along with aunts and cousins. A Funeral Liturgy will be held for Rick at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Nixa. Friends and relatives are invited to the Funeral and a Visitation with the family which will be held the evening prior from 5:00-7:00 PM on Friday, March 12th at the church. Rev. Jarod Koenig will preside. Following the services, Cremation Rites will be accorded with burial in Omaha at a later date.