Shirley Knutson

September 18, 1935 ~ January 18, 2024

Shirley Knutson, age 88, formerly of Arlington and Brookings, SD, passed away Thursday, January 18, 2024, peacefully in her sleep, at her home in New Braunfels, TX.

Memorial Services will begin at 10:30am, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Calvary Free Lutheran Church in Arlington, SD.

Shirley Jepson was born September 18, 1935, to Milford and Goldie (Todd) Jepson in Nunda, SD. She grew up and attended school in Arlington, graduating in 1954. Shirley was united in marriage to Jerome F. Sweeney on October 4, 1958. Jerome passed away on October 24, 1993. Shirley then married Merle R. Knutson on July 26, 1997, in Arlington, SD. Merle passed away on August 2004.

Shirley worked as a Bookkeeper for the Arlington Farmers Elevator for 23 ½ years. Shirley was a member of the Calvary Free Lutheran Church of Arlington, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Red Hatters. She also attended Gruene United Methodist Church, in New Braunfels, TX. She was an avid reader, quilter, and enjoyed supporting her local charities.

Shirley is survived by Lisa, her husband, Bruce, of New Braunfels, TX, Michael, his wife, Melissa, of Albuquerque, NM, and Jeffrey, his wife, Priscilla, of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren, Colin Gonzalez, Jessica La Roche, Christoffer Trotter, Benjamin Trotter, Megan LaRoche, Gabrial La Roche, Lucas La Roche, Alyson Sweeney Simpson, Andrew Sweeney, Katelyn Sweeney Louser and Seamus Sweeney. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Jerome Sweeney, and Merle R. Knutson; daughter, Denise La Roche; brother, Martin Jepson; son, James Sweeney; and grandson, Nikolos Gonzalez; and her dear sweet furry friend, Mayhem.