Oklee Post Office Renamed in honor of Coya Knutson

By Eric Mickelson

On August 22nd the Oklee Post Office was renamed in honor of Coya Knutson. Many are familiar with some of Coya’s story and her impact on the state of Minnesota and Oklee! 

Coya Knutson was the first woman to serve in the United States House of Representatives. She was born Cornelia Gjersdahl, on August 22, 1912, in Edmore, North Dakota. After high school she attended Concordia College graduating with a degree in education. Later Coya traveled to New York where she studied opera at the Juilliard School of Music. Although she had a love for music she came to the realization that a music career would be difficult and settled in Oklee where she married Andy Knutson, was a school teacher, and ran a hotel with her husband.

Coya served in local government during the 1940s and in 1949 the DFL wanted her to run for Minnesota State Legislature. After two terms in the state legislature Knutson ran for representative in Congress. Her campaigning and knowledge of agriculture allowed her to be elected to Congress by the voters of Minnesota’s Ninth District. She served from 1955-1958. She was not reelected in 1958. In 1996, Coya passed away leaving behind the legacy of being Minnesota’s first female representative in Congress as well as pushing for legislation regarding cystic fibrosis, student loans, and Minnesota Farmers. A taste of a little Coya Knutson…..more to come!

 The dedication ceremony began with the removal of the flag presently flying over the post office.  This flag was then properly folded, placed in a case and later in the program presented to the Coya’s family who were in attendance at the event. 

The ceremony began with and Invocation by Eric Mickelson followed by the Presenting of the Colors by the Oklee American Legion Post 159. As the colors were placed Coyas' great-grandson, Brian Kuennen, sang our National Anthem.

Following the opening ceremony Congressman Michelle Fischbach from the MN 7th District up for a few words. She was followed by Ben Lien, a member of  Senator Amy Klobuchar’s staff.  Next on the program was  Gretchen Beito, author of the book, Coya Come Home. Ms. Beito had copies of her book available for purchase and was happy to sign them. She was also joined by her Publisher, Kathryn Scott. Kathryn is working on a documentary about Coyas life. The final speaker to give some remarks was Coya’s daughter-in-law, Barb (Lajambe) Knutson. 

Finally it was time for the official dedication. Wayne Rolph, Manager of Post Office operations made the dedication as well as presenting the family with the flag and unveiling the plaque that will grace the wall of the Post Office. The Benediction was made by Eric Mickelson and the American Legion Retired the Colors. 

At the close of the official program refreshments were served by the ladies of the American Legion Auxiliary.  As people visited and stories were told and I would say a good time was had by all!