Arlis Knutson

Arlis “Arlie” Brendsel Knutson, 88, passed away peacefully May 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of her three children. 
Arlie was born in Brookings, S.D., and later moved to Sioux Falls, S.D., where she graduated from Washington High School.
It was in Sioux Falls that she met the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Knutson, at the Arkota Ballroom. Family always enjoyed the story that Dick first introduced himself to Arlie as “Ricardo” — a memorable beginning to a love story that would span more than 65 years and countless nights lighting up the dance floor together. They were united in marriage Oct. 14, 1956, in Sioux Falls. 
The couple made their home in Dell Rapids, where they farmed and raised dairy cattle while raising their three children: Jeff (Darci Collins), Doug (Steffi) and Shelly (Ed Anderson, deceased). In 1978, Arlie and Dick moved to Custer, S.D., a place Dick lovingly referred to as “God’s country.” 
In 2016, they moved to assisted living in Brandon. Following Dick’s passing in 2021, Arlie returned to Sioux Falls before moving to Custer Care and Rehab in 2024, where she remained until her passing. 
Arlie will be lovingly remembered for her warm and radiant smile, her joy of giving, the love of her family, and her well-known fondness for shoes. She leaves behind her cherished granddaughters, Dayna Tully (Aaron), Rachel Steece (Tim), Jordyn Herra (Jayson), Elizabeth Knutson and Nikki Gardner (Michael); and her beloved great-grandchildren, Bastian Tully, Jude and Finlay Steece, Myles Herra, and Maisie Gardner. 
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lars and Alice; her siblings, Jerry, Mel, Joyce and Corrine; and her son-in-law, Ed. 
A memorial service will be held at Custer Lutheran Fellowship Church June 13 at 10 a.m. Memorials will be given to the Custer Library Foundation in honor of Arlie’s love for children and lifelong love of reading. 
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.