Clara Fern Marie Knapp

Clara Fern Marie (Bartleson) Knapp passed peacefully on November 11, 2025. She was born on July 6, 1990, to Kelly and Linda Bartleson, arriving 3 days past her due date. Her tardiness continued during her short time on earth, but she was always worth waiting for. Clara attended Nevada Community Schools from pre-K through graduation where she had incredible experiences. She made lasting friendships. She loved volleyball. She loved the Cubs, bad music (in mom's opinion) and dressing edgy while embracing her unique and most wonderful personality. The highlight of her senior year was playing at the state volleyball tournament where she was named first team all-state.
On October 19, 2019, and on her Grandpa Jocko's birthday she was joined in marriage to Jordan E. Knapp, and we celebrated them in a big, loud and joyful manner.
Jordan is and will always be the love of Clara's life. We knew he was a wonderful human the day we met him. While their magical love story was brief, they created a beautiful family. Vada Rae Lee was born on January 10, 2021. She loves her mommy's hugs and kisses. Declan joined their trio on December 4, 2022. He loves that mommy fed him and loved him and would never be able to put them to bed without her famous fast hugs.
Clara wasn't afraid to speak her mind when faced with injustice, especially to protect others or challenge discrimination. She wanted peace and harmony and had a special place in her heart for the LGBTQ+ community. Clara loved making moon water, the color red, the power of crystals and the spirit of the universe. Most of all she loved her family with her whole heart.
She was loved beyond measure and is survived by her husband Jordan, her beloved children Vada (4) and Declan (2), her parents Kelly and Linda Bartleson, her brother David (Ashley) Bartleson and their children Brooklyn and Brinley, her paternal grandma Pat Bartleson, and her maternal grandparents Penny and Kenneth "Jocko" Mindemann.
Clara was preceded in death by her great grandparents Dick and Audree Pantenburg and Able and Alice Hauge, grandfather Carly "Papa" Bartleson, her uncles Raymond "Fuzzy" Mindemann, Lindsay and Denny Ellingson, her aunt and uncle Velma and Jack Luckert, cousins JaVee Suhr, Gary Don Luckert, Justin Rohrer, Jameson O'Conner, and Taylor Bartleson. How fitting for her to meet Taylor in heaven on Veteran's Day.
A friend of Clara's captured her spirit perfectly, "You only had to meet her once. You didn't have to spend much time with her to already know her soul was pure, she was charming and funny and infectious. She left a lasting impression."
Friends and family are encouraged to wear red to the services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Jordan to secure an educational future for Vada and Declan.
Clara entered the world with a grand appearance and left in the same fashion as she spread her bright beauty across the sky. That message brought comfort that will be cherished forever.
A visitation honoring Clara's life will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home, 1418 Fawcett Pkwy in Nevada. A celebration of her life will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Memorial Lutheran Church, 701 11th Street in Nevada.