Originally posted on Sauk Rapids Herald by Tim Hennagir, Staff Writer – Courtesy of Sauk Rapids Herald

John Knutson, an assisted living resident at Ridgeview Place Senior Living in Sauk Rapids, has turned his apartment into a maritime museum with his detailed model ships and boats. A U.S. Navy veteran, Knutson served on the USS Proteus during the Cuban Missile Crisis and achieved the rank of lieutenant.

Knutson’s daughter, Andrea Griner, shares that her father’s passion for model building started long before he moved to Ridgeview Place. His intricate replicas, including a wooden tugboat and models of Christopher Columbus’ ships, reflect his deep connection to the sea.

Born in Muskegon, Michigan, a city known for its maritime culture, Knutson holds degrees in civil engineering and business administration. His model ships are a testament to his lifelong craftsmanship and love for nautical history.

Read more about John Knutson’s fascinating story and his model boat and ship builds by checking out the feature story in the Sauk Rapids Herald.