Nancy Kniskern

Nancy Kniskern passed peacefully into the light on June 27, 2025, at the age of 91. Her final days were filled with the warmth of loved ones, great music, and her favorite treat: chocolate ice cream. Nancy adored ice cream, and the compassionate staff at Willow Lane Assisted Living ensured she was comfortable, while her hospice care team from Aseracare Hospice provided dignity and grace.

Born on August 14, 1933, in Pound, Wisconsin, to Russell and Helen Walker, Nancy was the fifth of fifteen siblings: Shirley, Clifford, Phyllis, Bernice, Nancy, Delores, William (died at birth), Carole, Mervin, Donna, Alan, Barbara, Darrell, Dale, and Darlene. She was preceded in death by Shirley, Clifford, Phyllis, Bernice, and Mervin.

Nancy was known for her generosity and unwavering loyalty. When her father asked for help to save the family farm, she stayed, helping to raise her younger siblings with strength and heart. He once said, “Nancy, if you don’t stay and help me, I will lose the farm.” And she did stay — a testament to her selfless character.

On August 29, 1953, Nancy married Jim Kniskern. Jim passed in 2008. Together, they lived on the farm; Nancy worked it while Jim logged. They welcomed their son, Mark, in 1960, and daughter, Dawn, in 1962. When Nancy completed her commitment on the farm, she and Jim opened the Coleman Cleaners dry cleaning plant, followed by the Specialty Shop — a women’s clothing store with a Hallmark gift section and rental space for a hair salon. Their vision turned a small-town business into a local gem.

Nancy dreamed of a lake home, and her father gifted her a lot on White Potato Lake in gratitude for her help with the farm. She and Jim built a beautiful haven there.

Nancy's son Mark married Nora Wilcox, and together they have a son, David. Her daughter Dawn married Ken Nowakowski, with whom she has two children, Cameron and Hannah. Nancy adored her grandchildren fiercely — whether playing trucks on the floor, crawling like a bear, or simply showering them with love. She was so proud of all their accomplishments and loved them unconditionally.

She was a singular soul — deeply attuned to justice, nature, and the unseen threads of life. Her van bore bumper stickers that sparked countless conversations at gas stations and perfectly captured her spirited essence.

Nancy is now free, reunited with loved ones who passed before. Dementia is a cruel thief, but Nancy is no longer trapped. She is light, she is peace.

She is a butterfly when she chooses to be, a rainbow when her loved ones need her, and a feather in their path during times of struggle. She is loved — and she still loves.

There will be a private celebration of life held later this year.