Lee Thomas Knutson

Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend



Lee was born in Chicago in 1938 to Caroline and Verner Knutson. He passed away peacefully on February 2, 2016 with his wife and son by his side.



As a young child, Lee and his parents lived on the East Coast during the time his Father served as a Naval Officer. The family eventually settled in Detroit, Michigan where he lived for nearly forty years. Most recently, Lee resided in Boynton Beach, Florida with his beloved wife Barbara and his two much loved dogs – Mini and Sadie Rose. He was a familiar site in his neighborhood, riding on his scooter with Mini and Sadie Rose leading the way.



Lee had a long and productive life. He worked for many years in the Banking industry at Michigan National Bank. Lee started out his career as a Bank Teller and, through diligence and hard work, ultimately worked himself up to become the youngest person ever at the bank to be promoted to a Bank President position. Lee was much respected for his commitment to his customers and the communities he served. He genuinely appreciated the opportunity to make a positive difference for both.

Family was very important to Lee, and he chose to retire young to enjoy his life and quality time with his family. He married Barbara Anne in 1997 and they enjoyed nineteen wonderful years together. They traveled the country together and with their beloved pets and visited every one of the fifty states in their RV. They made many friends on their travels, enjoying good times, good friends and interesting experiences.



Lee was a loving and gentle Father of five – Lisa Kay, Karen (Richard), Sharon (Mark), Colleen (Jeffrey), and Mark. He enjoyed being a Grandfather of ten - Alex, John, Brad, Maggie, Steven, Madelynne, Jack, Christopher, Jacob, and Katie. He was a dear older brother to Carolyn Deis (Chuck) and Louona Vickery (Larry), and uncle to Scott Deis, Stacey Hayeur (Rob), and Andrea Glomski (Paul).



Lee had many hobbies. He was by nature meticulous, intelligent, and curious. He was especially interested in anything mechanical – boats, cars, motorcycles, tools – it didn't matter, as long as it had an engine. During his whole life he could be counted on to have his mechanical "toys" and loved nothing more than puttering around fixing or maintaining them. His family teased him that he had broken nearly every bone in his body on these toys!



Lee was reserved, a thinker, and a good listener. He liked company, and had many friends, but usually liked to observe first. He never stopped learning and growing, and the older he got, the more humble and accepting he became. He was a gentleman, respectful and polite – and he sincerely appreciated the support and assistance he received from individuals during his illness. He was much loved and will be missed.



The family will hold a Memorial gathering on Friday from 3-5, with a service to follow at 5:00 at Boynton Memorial Chapel, 800 West Boynton Beach Boulevard. A second service will be held in May in Lee's hometown of Detroit, Michigan. Contributions may be made to Caring Neighbors, 1007 Ocean Drive, Boynton Beach 33426.