Obituary: Shanna Knutson

Shanna Knutson

Shanna Marie Seil Knutson, 44, died Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Fargo, N.D., surrounded by family and loved ones under the care of Hospice after a 15-month battle with stage IV cancer.

Shanna was born January 9, 1980, as the middle child, to Steven and Brenda Seil at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. The family was stationed there while Steve served in the Air Force from 1977 until 1981.

The family moved back to North Dakota and eventually settled on their existing farm in June 1982 south of Heaton, N.D. The family had dairy cattle followed by beef cattle while growing various crops over the years. The Seil kids enjoyed being outside and living the farm life. Shanna's parents and younger brother, Andrew, still farm to this day.

Shanna attended elementary and high school in Pettibone, N.D., until the school district consolidated with Tuttle in 1995, during her sophomore year. The family transferred school districts to Sykeston, N.D., the following year. Shanna graduated from Sykeston High School in 1998 and was active in basketball, band, choir, and softball during these high school years.

Before starting a family, she attended the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D. She graduated from Colorado Technical University with a bachelor's degree in accounting in February 2008 while having three young kids at home. She ended her accounting career as the controller of Jemco/MaxAir in West Fargo, ND for the past eight years.

Shanna married Timothy Knutson on December 28, 2018. Together, they have a blended family of six children. Shanna enjoyed gardening and was active in her church's women's group. Being around family meant the most to Shanna and was important to her during her final days.

Shanna is survived by her parents, Steven and Brenda; maternal grandparents, Clarence and Phyllis Pleines of Pettibone, N.D.; husband Tim, of Fargo, N.D.; daughter, Katelyn Harrington (23), of Bismarck, N.D., son, Zachary Seil Knutson (21), daughters, Taylor Seil Knutson (21), Ashlyn Seil Knutson (15), and Teagan Seil Knutson (5), all of Fargo, N.D., and stepdaughter, Madisin Knutson (24), of Fargo, N.D.; sister, Lisa Neumiller (Drew) of West Fargo, N.D.; brother, Andrew of Heaton, N.D.; niece, Kaylee and nephew Caden of West Fargo, N.D.; along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Shanna was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Victor and Margaret Seil, JoAnn Seil and her cousin Arick Seil.

Visitation was Friday, May 24, 2024, from 6-7 p.m., at Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church, West Fargo, N.D., with a prayer service at 7 p.m.

The funeral service was held Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 10 a.m., at Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church, West Fargo, N.D.

Burial was Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 1 p.m., at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, N.D.

Arrangements by West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center, West Fargo, N.D.