Knute Leroy Wevley

Knute Leroy Wevley, age 87 of Apple Valley, MN, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Knute passed away peacefully with family by his side.

Visitation for Knute Wevley will be held Friday December 12, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, MN.

Celebration of life for Knute Leroy Wevley will be at 11:30 a.m. on Friday December 12, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, MN.

While flowers would be appreciated, donations may be made in lieu to Doctors Without Borders.

Knute was  born on June 15, 1938, to Carl Augustine “Meyer” and Madella “Della” Carolina (Amundson) Wevley in Breckenridge, Minnesota and was number 13 of 14 children.  Knute’s life was full and devoted to family, friends and faith.  He was dedicated to his wife of 63 years, Joanne, his children and grandchildren.  He took great pride in his Norwegian heritage, as well as being the family photographer and sideline cheerleader be it sports or arts activities.  Passionate about gardening, his favorite photography subject, he raised beautiful dahlias and roses and frequently visited the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

When his children were growing up, Sundays were family days without question.  Favorite activities included hiking, canoeing and shadow puppet shows on the kitchen wall always accompanied by ice cream sundaes.  Despite working many late nights, often coming home after the family dinner, Knute was always “there”:  at school events, family reunions, weddings and simply in conversations.  At most events, he was the last to leave.

Knute lived a disciplined and principled life and was an example for many.  He attended Morris Area High School serving as Class Officer and participated in student council, football and track.  After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was proud to serve our country.  He enrolled in the University of Minnesota and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1965, majoring in accounting and minoring in sociology.  Upon graduation, he began his accounting career at Ernst & Ernst in Minneapolis and earned his CPA.  From there, he joined a client, Dayton-Hudson Corporation. In time, he chose to work with smaller private companies until retirement.  As the consummate accountant, another favorite pastime was preparing his personal tax return, it was an event.  Although Knute worked hard, he also knew to take time off in the summer for family trips to resorts “Up North” and to “The Cabin” for fishing, card playing, dessert eating and spending time with extended family.

Knute’s love of his life and dance partner, Joanne, happened to be a high school classmate but not a high school sweetheart, although she had wanted that to be.  A few years later, they reconnected in the Twin Cities and began to date.  They were jitterbug experts and were known for tearing up the dance floor to Rock Around the Clock throughout their life together.  Eventually, they married in 1962 and moved among the farm fields in Apple Valley, Minnesota in 1968 where they built their lifelong home to raise their three children.  In the summer of 2025, Knute and Joanne moved but remained in Apple Valley at Orchard Path Senior Living where he blessed all with his sense of humor and strength.  Throughout his life, Knute was known in the community for his dedication to serving the church, the twinkle in his eye and of course, his distinctive laugh.

Knute is survived by his wife: Joanne Wevley; his children: Kristin Wevley, Craig (Kelly) Wevley, and Kari (Todd) Johnson; six grandchildren: Luke, Kathryn, Grace, and Elizabeth Wevley; and Michael and Erika Johnson; two sisters: Ione Quam and Mary Pasche.

Arrangements are with White Funeral Home in Apple Valley, MN.