Nancy L. Knudsen

Nancy Lorraine (Baldwin) Knudsen passed peacefully on December 27, 2025, at the age of 95. She was surrounded by love, with her son Tim Knudsen and daughter-in-law Mary Knudsen and granddaughter Sydney by her side.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm, Friday, February 6, 2026, at Benson Funeral Home and one hour prior to the mass at church

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph, MN. Following the mass there will be a Celebration of Life Gathering at The Ultimate Sports Bar & Grill, Waite Park.

A service will be held in California at a later date.

Nancy was born on April 16, 1930, in San Francisco, California, to George Baldwin and Edith (Madden) Baldwin. She grew up in Burlingame, California, where she attended Our Lady of Angels Catholic School before graduating from Burlingame High School in 1948.

While attending the College of San Mateo, Nancy worked at Hal’s Restaurant in Burlingame. During this time, she met the love of her life, Donald Milton Knudsen. They married in 1955 and made their home in Burlingame, where they raised five children.

Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Donald, who passed away in 1986 from pneumonia after 31 years of marriage; her son Steven Knudsen; her sister Edith “DeeDee” (Baldwin) Farley; and her brother George “Bud” Baldwin.

She is survived by her sisters Judy (Baldwin) Scott of Oregon, Sandi (Baldwin) Anderson of Folsom, California, and Karen (Baldwin) Martinelli of Folsom, California.

Nancy is also survived by her children: Rusty Knudsen (Dianne Ragozzino) of San Ramon, California; Sandy (Knudsen) Rhea (Rick) of Coconut Grove, Florida; Joanne (Knudsen) Peart (Kelly) of Santa Ana, California; and Tim Knudsen (Mary Kasella) of St. Joseph, Minnesota. Donna Knudsen (Hutchinson) of San Mateo, CA.

Nancy was a devoted and loving mother, known to many as the “neighborhood mom.” She was always present at the park, watching her children play ball, cheering them on, and making sure everyone was cared for. Larger than life, she had a sharp wit, a wonderful sense of humor, and a gift for storytelling—especially when recalling the good old days. A proud member of the Greatest Generation, Nancy had an easy smile and an unmistakable warmth that drew people in. She could hold court with anyone, regardless of age, sharing wisdom, laughter, and life experience.

She loved to sing and tell jokes, read books, listen to music, watch movies, and attend Broadway plays. She especially cherished road trips with her sisters. One of her lifelong dreams was fulfilled when she traveled to Europe, visiting England and Ireland, where she formed lasting friendships. She loved Stanford sports and attended football, baseball and basketball games for over 80 years with her boys.

Over the course of 35 years, Nancy courageously battled four different cancers, prevailing each time. Through it all, she never lost her sense of humor, often brightening the days of doctors, nurses, and caregivers, who genuinely looked forward to her visits.

After the loss of her husband, Nancy lived with her sons for the remainder of her life, staying active, engaged, and deeply connected to her family. As “Nana,” she was the proud grandmother of 13 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Her grandchildren include:

Tyler Knudsen (Katey Phillips), Brooks Knudsen (Kelsey Geremia), and Shannen Knudsen. Ashley Rhea Walley (Danny), Shelby Rhea Casper (Michael), Cody Rhea (Samantha Christiansen), and Haley Rhea (Darren Sparks), Justin Peart, and Jenny Peart Oates (Sean). Samantha Knudsen Mathiasen (Jordan), Cameron Knudsen (Raelynn Haneca), Sydney Knudsen Gagnon (Brady), and Summer Knudsen Munstenteiger (Joe).

Nancy was also the proud great-grandmother of Charlie, Parker, Kade, Bentley, Owen, Charlotte, Hudson, Dawson, Finley, Quincy, Jaydyn, Kynsley, Madden, Blakely, Poppy, Sonny, Millie, and Wade.

Nancy remained sharp and engaged throughout her life. She stayed connected with family and friends through Facetime and Facebook. She enjoyed her daily Sudoku and crossword puzzles, participated in book clubs with her daughters-in-law, and faithfully watched The Young and the Restless, a tradition she began in 1974. Her love for life was evident to all who knew her.

Nancy will be deeply missed by her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her. While her passing leaves a profound void, her loved ones find comfort in knowing how full, joyful, and meaningful her life was. She truly was one of a kind.