Troy Knutson

1LT (Ret) Troy Oliver Knutson was born on October 24, 1966 in Ogden, Utah to Karen Smith and Oliver Ray Knutson.

Troy spent his early childhood in Garland, Utah, growing up near his loving grandparents, Oliver (Ollie) Andrew and Margery Marie Knutson. Troy’s family moved to Virginia where Troy attended grade school and became an avid afterschool fisherman.

During his high school years, the family lived in Michigan where he enjoyed singing in High School musicals. He had a beautiful singing voice and performed in multiple countries for his choir as well as performed in many plays, which were dear to his heart.

He graduated from Warren Woods High School in Warren, Michigan and was awarded an ROTC Scholarship.

Troy moved back to Utah where he married Jill Kanell, they had three amazing children together and were later divorced.

Troy owned and operated his own extermination company and later owned a construction company. He loved to build and design projects and was a master carpenter. He was also quite the artist, as he enjoyed drawing and creating pictures and projects to delight his loved ones.

He joined the Utah Army National Guard and was deployed to the first Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm. He attended Officer Candidate School in 1996 and received the Leadership Award upon his commissioning. He commanded the 19th Special Forces Chemical Detachment Unit for 6 years. Troy was medically retired from the military as a First Lieutenant in 2006. When Troy returned home from the war, he began a long period of illnesses and suffering which continued for over 20 years. He was a fighter!

He married his best friend, Paula L Swanson and together they built a life they loved. They eventually moved to Hooper, Utah to fulfill one of Troy’s many lifelong dreams--to raise pigs in honor of his grandfather, Ollie. Troy was always known for his great attitude and loving kindness that he showed family, friends and neighbors. His three kids and grandkids were the light of his life. He lit up with every facetime call with Nash, and loved every interaction with his “mini me”, Lane. Prior to his death, he let us know that his first priority on the other side was to meet his newest grandson, Troy Oliver Knutson, III.

Troy loved a cold beer, John Wayne, the Army, and Raiders football. He was a true patriot exemplifying his motto, “Duty, Honor, and Country”. Troy is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and two siblings. He is survived by his wife, MAJ (Ret) Paula L Swanson- Knutson, his son, Troy “TJ” Oliver Knutson Jr. (Amanda) and daughters, Teisha Knutson Henry (Charlie) and Tori Knutson (Jon), and grandkids. He will be missed by his brothers and sisters Monte (Kathleen) Knutson, Kevin (Misty) Knutson, Kristi (Stan) Peck, and Cheri (Ron) Campbell, along with many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at the Hooper 2nd Ward, 5000 South 5900 West, Hooper, Utah from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Graveside services, with Military Honors, will be held at 3 p.m. at the Bear River Cemetery, 4600 West 5600 North, Bear River City, Utah.

All family and friends are welcome to Troy’s Celebration of Life at his home in Hooper, Utah at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

The family extends a special thank you to Community Nursing Services and University of Utah Pulmonary Clinic.