Long-time resident, active volunteer named Festival Grand Marshal

Lynn Knutson has been named grand marshal for the 2025 Kasson Festival in the Park parade, which steps off on Sunday, August 10, at 1:30 p.m.
Knutson has been a resident of the Kasson area for the past 55 years.
When he retired from IBM in 2006 after a 39-year career with the company, he asked himself, “What will I do now?”
He had no trouble answering that question, as he is now active in the KM Lions, Faith in Action and church activities.
These connections tend to reach out and overlap with other networks. The community’s generosity and support give him motivation to keep active and branching out, Knutson said.
He also cited the Lions Club motto: “We serve.”
“The men and women of the KM Lions are a very active club with many projects going,” he said. “New members bring new ideas and passion that, more times than not, develop into new Lion community services.”
“KM Lions have developed many partnerships, a major one being with KM schools that benefits the district in many ways. It has been a pleasure to be part of this organization for 18 years,” Knutson said.
Faith In Action of Dodge County has a mission to assist seniors with their independent living, Knutson said. Volunteers provide clients with transportation, light housekeeping, errands, yard work, etc.
“Being on the Faith in Action board, a major challenge is to get the word out about this great organization, as volunteers have a willingness to care for our seniors. The network in care giving is another opportunity to connect with many faith groups and like organizations. I have enjoyed participation with Faith in Action the past 12 years,” he said.
Knutson has been involved in church activities that include construction and various remodeling projects.
“Much of this occurred during my exit of employment. It is a joy to bring together people with various skills in working together as a team to finish a project. Being part of a ministry in this way expands your own faith journey,” he said.