Services for Nancy Lucille McKnight
Tue, 01/25/2022 - 1:41pm
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Nancy Lucille McKnight (nee Sormrud) died peacefully in the early morning hours of January 23, 2022 at the age of 97 years 6 months at Cornerstone Nursing and Rehab Center in Bagley, Minnesota.
Nancy was born the youngest of four children to Fred and Ethel Sormrud on June 22, 1924 in Hillsboro, Wisconsin. She grew up in a farming community where she developed her love of nature, gardening and animals. To the end of her life, she could give you exact driving directions to the farm in Hillsboro.
Nancy left the farm at a young age and obtained her cosmetology license. She operated, managed and owned beauty salons in Wisconsin and Illinois. While living in Chicago, she married Edward McKnight with whom she had two children, Cathy Jo and Joseph Sean.
Nancy loved to travel and was known to head out on a road trip at a moment’s notice. In the 60’s she purchased a VW pop up camper van, and proceeded to tour National parks on annual summer camping trips with her children. In 1967, on a trip through northern Minnesota, she fell in love with the area around Spring Lake in Lengby and moved with her children to Lengby in 1968. There she enjoyed her gardens, the wildlife and walks through her woods.
Nancy was a private person who valued family, hard work, strong friendships and lifelong learning. After her children were grown, she continued her education, obtaining college degrees in human services and accounting. She had a long and varied series of occupations, from driving a gravel truck to finding employment opportunities for senior citizens, finally retiring at the age of 78.
Nancy is survived by her children, Cathy Jo Gunvalson (Ken) and J. Sean McKnight, grandchildren Paige Gunvalson (Nick Stuber), Carly Gunvalson, Joe Gunvalson, John McKnight (Stephanie) and Jacob McKnight, great grandchildren Jackson and Addie McKnight, Emmett and Elijah McKnight, nephew Wayne Sormrud (Lib) and niece Sandra Alvarado (Fred), grand nieces Kristin Lowere (Tom), Lisa Alvarado, Lori Whittier (Tom) and grand nephew Kent Sormrud (Sharon). She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Morlon (Ella) Sormrud, Sherman Sormrud and her sister Hazel Dimitroff (Rod).
Blessed be her memory.
A private family celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at a future date. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley assisted the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, Nancy would ask that donations be made to a local hospice organization of your choice.
Messages of condolence may be sent to ceasefuneralhome.com
