Marlen L. Knutson passed away September 15, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family.

Marlen was born on October 17, 1932 to Melford and Ella Knutson. He was born and raised on a farm in Alvarado, Minnesota. Marlen attended Crookston Agricultural College and entered the US Army in February of 1950. He is a Korean War veteran and was honorably discharged March, 1953.

After his discharge, he came to Stanwood to work with his uncle at a feed store in East Stanwood. He met and married Audrey Peterson in 1954. Settling in Stanwood, he drove bakery truck and in 1957, Marlen started in the oil business and bought his first service station. He then started a fuel distributorship in Skagit, Snohomish, and Island Counties. He was in the oil business for 29 years.

After that, he tried retirement, but found that it wasn't his cup of tea, so he bought a dump truck and, with his sons and daughter, Knutson Hauling was born.

Marlen served as Chairman of the Board for Valley Bank and also had 11 years of dedicated service to the Washington Banking Company.

One of Marlen's greatest joys was collecting and restoring John Deere tractors. He enjoyed being a part of the Two Cylinder club and participating in many local parades and plowing days. On any given day, he would enjoy friends stopping by his shop and looking at his tractors.

A solid family man, Marlen and Audrey just celebrated 62 years of marriage. Marlen is survived by his wife Audrey, their children: Marlen Jr. (Julie), Neil, Leanne, Lindsey (Terry), Darryl, and Tim (April); 15 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. Marlen also leaves behind two sisters, Bonnie (Charles) Cantoni of California, Donna (Clinton) Kallock of Stanwood, and one sister-in-law, MaryJean Knutson of Burlington and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melford and Ella Knutson, and his brother, Dennis Knutson.

We would like to give special thanks to Marlen's doctor and friend, Doctor C. Kotal, Pastor Mark Bankson, and Hospice Northwest for their excellent and compassionate care.

A memorial will take place Friday, September 23, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Stanwood at 12 pm.

Arrangements are in the care of Gilbertson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Northwest or Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.