The Reverend Joshua Robert Knutson, 39, entered the Church Triumphant on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Born on August 20, 1986, in Columbia, South Carolina, Josh was the beloved son of the late Mark Allen Knutson and Melanie Ballentine Knutson.
He married the love of his life, Roseann, in 2012, beginning a partnership rooted in love, laughter, and faith. Two years later they welcomed their daughter, Lexi, who was absolutely adored and cherished by her father.
Upon answering the call to ministry, Josh enrolled at Horry-Georgetown Technical College in 2011 and later attended Coastal Carolina University, earning his bachelor’s degree in history. Following his graduation, he continued his studies at the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenior-Rhyne University (formerly) in Columbia, SC, graduating in 2020 with a Master of Divinity. Then, on June 20, 2020, he was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Following his ordination, having been called by the South Carolina Synod, Josh became the Pastor and Mission Developer to Two Rivers Parish, a partnership of Christ Community Lutheran of North Charleston and St. Michael Lutheran Church, Moncks Corner, SC, where he served until the time of his death.
In addition to the love he shared with his family, his friends, and all who he encountered, Pastor Josh will be remembered for his powerful preaching, insightful teaching, empowering leadership, his constant drive to get things done, and, of course, his sarcastic wit.
He is survived by his wife, Roseann, and their daughter, Lexi, who were the joy of his life; his mother, Melanie Ballentine Knutson; his sisters, Amanda Kelsey Knutson and Sara Elizabeth Knutson; his paternal grandmother, Dolores Dunn; and a large, loving extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Mark Knutson; his sister, Melissa Knutson; and his maternal grandfather, Robert Riley Ballentine.
Josh’s legacy will live on in the lives of all who were blessed to know him. His ministry, marked by genuine care, integrity, and joy, reflected his deep trust in the Gospel he preached. He leaves behind a world made better by his kindness and a faith community strengthened by his service.
A service of celebration of his life and life eternal will be held on November 6, 2025, at 11:00am at Pisgah Lutheran Church in Lexington, SC with Bishop Ginny Aebischer presiding. Interment will follow in the cemetery. The service will be livestreamed on LutheranLive.com as well as Pisgah Lutheran’s YouTube and Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Community Lutheran Church or the ministry of your choice.
