Nancy Jean (Bednar) Knutson was born October 1932, in a log cabin built by her father near Solon Springs, Wisconsin. She was the third child and only daughter born to Gladys (Borecky) and Harvey Bednar. To cover her birth, her father paid the attending physician with a wolf pelt he harvested and tanned.

On April 6th, 2026, Nancy passed peacefully at home near Webster, Wisconsin. Nancy graduated from Spooner High School in 1951 and was united in marriage to Norman Knutson on October 10th, 1953. To this union three children were born: Kathleen, Norma Jean, and Donald. Nancy attended UW-Superior Teachers College in Frederic, WI. and began her teaching career in 1964 in a two-room school in Bashaw, where she taught for two years. She then taught for two years at Danbury and then at Webster, where she taught 7th and 8th grade Science until she retired in 1994 to care for her husband.

After the passing of her husband, she moved to Florida to care for her mother. She remained in Florida until October 2022, when she lost her home to Hurricane Ian and returned to Wisconsin to live with her daughter Norma Jean. In her younger years, she enjoyed gardening, looking for agates, water skiing, hunting, and farming. She spent many hours out on her pontoon fishing North Sand Lake and walking the shores of Oak Lake with her fly rod. After returning to Wisconsin in 2022, Nancy enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and reading on her iPad. Her favorite books were the Earth’s Children series. Watching Heartland on Netflix and enjoying the birds at the feeders, riding along when someone had errands to run, and enjoyed having the house all decorated for the holidays. She especially loved Christmas. She often mentioned how much she missed our big family meals and holiday get-togethers. Above all, she loved her family. Nancy liked to share memories of students, fellow faculty, family, and friends. A highlight of her teaching career was putting on the annual Jr. High play followed by a picnic at what is now known as Charles Tollander Park.

Preceding her in passing are her parents Gladys and Harvey Bednar, brothers Leslie and Harvey Glen, husband Norman Knutson, son Donald Knutson, grandson Tommy Buck, niece Karen Ennis, sister-in-law Betty Leef, brother-in-law Russell Leef, nephews Jim and Jack Bednar. Her dear friends Myrna Leef and Avonne Steele.

Continuing to remember her loving nature and giving spirit are daughters Kathy (Phil) and Norma Jean. Grandchildren Laura, Tara, Kyle and Kasia. Great-grandchildren Sierra, Summer, Camron, Gaven, Brady, Mara, Everett and Brennan. Brother Bob and sister-in-law Barb, nieces Connie and Linda, and nephew Darryl. Her beloved cat Shadow. Her dear friends Kathy Hinks and Patricia Blackwell. Our loss is immeasurable, but so is the love she left behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 12th from noon-3 pm at Crooked Lake Park, Siren, WI. Pavilion # 1

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed online at swedberg-taylor.com.