Mark Jason Knutson

Mark Jason Knutson, 61, of Lander, Wyoming, passed away on May 7, 2025, at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born on October 21, 1963, in Hettinger, North Dakota, to Jay Oliver Knutson and Irene (Gustin) Knutson.

Mark attended school in Dickinson, North Dakota, where he was active in sports during his high school years, participating in track, wrestling, and football. After graduating, he began working in the North Dakota oil fields. He later earned his CDL and worked in road construction for many years.

In ovember 2011, Mark married Valentina Bunker. They had shared more than 30 years of friendship and companionship.

Throughout his life, Mark lived in Washington state, North Dakota, and Montana before eventually settling in Wyoming.

He had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gathering firewood, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. In his later years, Mark developed a passion for woodworking, crafting furniture from logs he brought home. He eventually purchased a mill to expand his projects and continued creating with the wood he milled himself.

Though born on October 21, Mark rarely celebrated his birthday—since it always fell on the last day of hunting season.

He had a big heart and helped raise his step son Tyrel H., step daughter Tanya Y, Great Niece Krishawnda W, And Mailyn M.

Mark was preceded in death by his sister, Jayleen (Knutson) Stotz; his parents, Jay Oliver and Irene Knutson; his father-in-law, Levi H. Bunker; mother-in-law, Evelyn (Hallam) Bunker; and his stepson, Tyrel Levi Hallett.

He is survived by his wife, Valentina E. Knutson; his children, Tanya R. Yardas (Justin), Cierra Kroh (Ryan), and Jayd Moran; and grandchildren, Asher Adams, Nya Yardas, Logan Yardas, Alora Kroh, Kal Kroh, and Cameron Kroh. He is also survived by his siblings, Thomas Knutson (Diana) and Sandi Beaudoin (Dan), along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service for Mark J. Knutson will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Mount Hope Cemetery in Lander.