Shirley (Trepanier) Knutson of Circle Pines passed away peacefully on September 11, 2023, at the age of 87 years, after a 10-year struggle with Alzheimer's/Dementia. Shirley was born in St. Paul, MN to Eldon Mae (Willey) and Joseph Trepanier in December 1935. She grew up in Forest Lake, MN, and spent most of her adult life in Circle Pines, MN. Shirley met Larry Knutson of Oakes, ND on a blind date, while she was in Nurse's training. They later married and had 4 children. She worked as a nurse at Unity Hospital in Fridley, MN until she retired. Several years into her retirement, she moved into White Pine Assisted Living in Blaine, MN, where she quickly won the hearts of everyone because of her sweet, outgoing personality and her go-with-the-flow attitude. She had a great sense of humor and an amazing, contagious laugh that drew people to her everywhere she went. Shirley was very involved in her church, St. Joseph of the Lakes in Lino Lakes, MN, where she sang in the choir, played the organ, helped with Loaves and Fishes, made quilts, and participated in a variety of other activities.

Shirley is survived by her 4 children, Kathy Perham, Roxanne (Randy) White, Jay (Jennifer) Knutson, and JoAnn (David) Lee; 9 grandchildren, Linnae Dufresne, Christa Knott-Dufresne, Jennifer Ehman, Renae Podvin, Kira Lee, Ryan Perham, Jakob Lee, Karlie Sitzler, and Kollen Knutson; and 6+ great grandchildren, Blake Evans, Stella Ehman, Beau Podvin, Olivia Ehman, Krew Sitzler, Kannen Sitzler, and a Sitzler baby due in October; 3 siblings, Joseph Trepanier, Michael Trepanier, and Laura Linser. She was preceded in death by her spouse, Larry Knutson; her parents Eldon and Joseph Trepanier; her brother, Robert Trepanier; and her son-in-law, John Perham.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church (171 Elm Street Lino Lakes, MN 55014), with a visitation an hour prior at the church. Shirley will be interred at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

The family wishes to give many thanks to White Pine Assisted Living and Olive Grove Hospice staff for their kind, compassionate, and comprehensive care up until the final moment when she joined Larry in heaven. They are all wonderful, caring people.

Shirley was an amazing woman who was loved by so many.