Yolanda Kimiko Knutson

Yolanda Kimiko Knutson

April 15, 1981 - October 5, 2020

Yolanda Knutson, 39, of Bemidji, Minnesota died on Monday, October 5, 2020 at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.

Due to COVID-19, and the Canadian Boarder being shut down, funeral services will be held at a later date. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley assisted the family with arrangements.

Yolanda Kimiko Knutson was born on April 15, 1981 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the daughter of James Brooks and Shelly Knutson. Yolanda was baptized in 1981 at Samuel Memorial Mission in Nay-ta-waush, MN; though gravitated toward Native American Spirituality and Reverence for Mother Earth. Growing up, she lived in various places due to her mom's military career such as Honolulu, HI, Anaheim, CA, Phoenix, AZ, Anchorage, AK, and MN where she graduated from Bagley High School in 1999. While living in Arizona, she was a runner and participated in Jr. Olympics Track. She participated in various pageants and modeling in California, Arizona, and Alaska. She was Alaska's "Miss Sunburst" in the National Pageant in 1994.

In 2001, Yolanda attended Northern Cosmetology Institute, she loved her work as a hairdresser, where she enjoyed bringing out the beauty of others. She continued to learn taking many Community Education Courses. Yolanda worked in many Salons in the Bagley & Bemidji area over the years until health issues compelled her to abandon her career. She was an advocate and protester, championing many courses such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Women's Rights, and Black Lives Matter.

Yolanda was a vibrant loving soul who loved her children, family, and friends deeply. There was nothing she wouldn't do for a friend, family, or a stranger if she was capable. Yolanda lived with Bipolar Depression and it colored her whole world, the highlights were encouraging, while the low lights were devastating, her struggle was real, and it impacted Yolanda and everyone who loved her.

She is survived by her

Son-Kendrick Knutson of Menagha, MN

Daughter-Lyric ReesMarie of Bemidji, MN

Daughter-Phoenix Denise of Bemidji, MN

Son-Koda-Bear Preston of Bemidji, MN

Mother-Shelly Godbout of Bagley, MN

Father-Orlando (Constance) Brooks of Kitrell, NC

Brother-Scott Godbout of Anchorage, AK

Brother-Jack Godbout of Bagley, MN

Brother-Kentre Brooks of NC

Brother- Rashawn Brooks of NY

Brother-Dominique Brooks of NY

Grandmother-Janie Knutson of Sprague, Manitoba

Godmother-Kim Bennett of Rochester, MN

Sister in Love-Heather Harrom & Kari Jacobs

Nieces-Iris Harrom & Kyla Jacobs

Several aunts, uncles, and cousins

Beloved Cousins-Emily & Tron

Champions-Tonya Moss and Mary Mattison

She was preceded in death by her Grandfather-Dennis Knutson; Grandparents-James & Euralle Brooks; Aunt/Godmother and Uncle Judy (Russ) Campbell; Cousin-Maggie Knutson

Events

Services will be set for a future date to be determined. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family of Yolanda Kimiko Knutson.