Jessie Margaret Knutson, 99, of Bloomfield, NM passed away on April 26, 2026. She was born on January 7, 1927 in Memphis, Tennessee to Gussie Mae Fredericks Freiberger and Arthur Allen Freiberger.

Marge grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, the youngest of five children and the only girl. She met her husband D.C. (Denny) Knutson as they were both attending college, and were introduced by one of Marge’s friends. They were married on August 24, 1946. Their marriage lasted 66 years and carried them through a lifetime of work, family, business, change, and adventure.

During World War II, Marge contributed to the war effort by working in an egg dehydrating factory. The experience left her with a lifelong dislike of eggs for breakfast.

Marge and Denny moved to New Mexico in 1948 and made it their home. Over the years, they built a life centered on family, hard work, and entrepreneurship. They owned several restaurants and a trading post on route 550. In the 1950s, Marge, along with Denny, Jerry, and Carol, raised hundreds of chickens in Aztec and delivered fresh chickens to Cranes Grocery and restaurants throughout the area.

Marge was never afraid of work, never afraid of trying something new and never met a stranger. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, she taught preschool to 5-and 6-year-old children in Aztec and Bloomfield. She also helped with farming, cattle, and sheep on their 75 acres in Bloomfield. Through the years, she also raised fishing worms to sell, co-owned Fashion Belle dress shop, owned Tandy Leather and Gift Shop and The Country Store, and later, in her 70s and 80s, owned The Ceramic Hideaway, teaching classes in special techniques to many of her endless supply of friends.

Marge will be remembered as strong, capable, and creative. She worked hard, cared deeply for her family and friends, and left behind memories that will continue to be shared by the generations who loved her.

She is preceded in death by her husband D.C. (Denny) Knutson, parents Arthur Allen Freiberger and Gussie Mae Fredericks Freiberger, brothers Harold W. Freiberger, Arthur A. Freiberger, Walter E. Freiberger, Raymond C. Freiberger

Marge is survived by her sons Jerry D. Knutson (Denisa), Kris K. Knutson (Barbara), daughters Carol L. Tripp (Dan), grandchildren Heather Nordman (Josh Carey), Drew Nordman (Sarah), Ethan Nordman, Heath Amon (Chantell), Mervin Bair (Misty), David Liebel (Albertine), Angela Hall (Warman), Denise Tripp, and Toby Tripp (Lou Ann), great-grandchildren: Benjamin Carey, Zeke Carey, Angela Carey, Griffin Nordman, Beckett Nordman, Phillip McClellan (Andrea), Andrew Turner (Jade), Taylor Amon (Cora), Zachary Amon, Samuel Bair (Becca), Ashley Elliott (Brian), Candace Bair, Cody Bair, Mathew Liebel, Makayla Liebel, Micah Liebel, Marces Liebel, Serenity Hall, Daniel Hall, Andy Sparrow (Kassie), Kari Strouble (Dustin), Ashley Tripp, Bethany Tripp, Tanner Tripp, and 18 Great-great-grandchildren

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Bloomfield, 200 W Sycamore, Bloomfield, New Mexico, with the Pastoral Staff officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may made in Marge’s memory to Grace Place Crisis Pregnancy Center in Farmington, NM.