Fred Knuth

Fred Carl Knuth, 101, of Hot Springs, S.D., passed away peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at Fall River Health in Hot Springs.
Fred was born July 3, 1925, the third of 10 children, to William and Minnie (Poppe) Knuth on the family farm in Lake Belt Township, rural Dunnell, Minn. Fred once said, with a twinkle in his eye, that he was born breech on the dining room table.
He attended District No. 45 Country School in Lake Belt Township and was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Ceylon, Minn. After graduating eighth grade, Fred had to help out and work for a neighbor, so his only high school education was what his brother Harold brought home from school.
In 1943 Fred enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC). After boot camp he trained on the Scout Bomber Douglas (SBD) Dauntless, his favorite aircraft, as a rear gunner. He was assigned to Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 232 (VMTB 232) in the South Pacific during World War II, where he flew in Grumman TBM Avengers.
During the Battle of Okinawa, he served as a radio operator and gunner. Fred was awarded numerous medals for his skill in shooting down enemy aircraft. He later served in Korea where, while just a familiarization haul, he got to fly a Shooting Star jet for the first time. During Vietnam, Fred and his brother, Marvin were stationed together in the same squadron. 
After retiring from the USMC in 1969, Fred worked as a diesel mechanic and welder while helping on the family farm. After fully retiring, Fred enjoyed traveling with his wife Shirley in their fifth wheel with his two stepdaughters, Liz and Jenny. Fred and Shirley were married for 36 years.
Fred was an avid reader of the Bible and history books. Growing up, his mom would ask his sister Ada to read to Fred and his siblings; author Zane Grey was a favorite. In his younger days, Fred loved to hunt and fish. He regretted not pursuing the challenge of driving a stock car, but relished his time working in pit crews. Mostly, Fred enjoyed being around family and friends at the farm in Dunnell, his home at Prairie Pines Lodge in Chadron, Neb., and the VA Home in Hot Springs. A special thank you to the staff at Prairie Pines, Hot Springs VA and Fall River for their kindness toward Fred.
Fred is survived by two daughters, Kristy Blom and Ann Sasse from his ex-wife, Bev; stepdaughters, Liz (Keith) Paskey and Jenny (Bruce) Vanderford; brother, Harold Knuth of rural Dunnell; sisters, Velma Christensen of Buffalo, Minn., Gerri Knuth of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Caroline Medina of Custer, S.D.; grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Shirley; sisters, Ada Colvin and Lorrene Knuth; and brothers, William “Bill” Knuth, Marvin Knuth and Melvin Knuth.
A funeral service will be held at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home, 401 N. Garden St., Hot Springs.
Burial with military honors will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D., at 12:30 p.m. Rest in peace, Fred. Semper Fi.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.