Frances M. "Fran" Knutson

Frances Mary Knutson "Fran" age 97, a life long Manitowoc resident died March 16, 2026, peacefully at St. Mary's Home, Felician Village.

Fran was born May 10, 1928 in Manitowoc, daughter of the late Bruno Kasten and Helen (McNulty) Kasten. She attended St. Boniface Catholic School and was a graduate of Manitowoc Lincoln High School class of 1946. On May 28, 1949, she married Milford L. Knutson at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Manitowoc.

Fran was a homemaker, and worked part time for The Manitowoc Clinic, Reed Avenue, as switchboard operator and insurance clerk. She and Mel were active members of Holy Innocents Catholic Church for many years. She loved her volunteer work over the years for many local organizations: Girl Scouts, Catholic Junior League, Christian Women of Holy Innocents, Memorial Hospital, Northridge, St. Francis De Sales School, St. Clare Society, Manitowoc Senior Center and Felician Village. She was a past treasurer of Church Women United.

For the past 15 years, Fran has been a resident of Felician Village, having lived first at The Gardens, transitioning to the Court, and then St. Mary's. She loved living there and enjoyed her time making new friends, and reconnecting with old friends. Many days and nights she enjoyed playing Mahjong, Bridge, Sheephead, and other games. She took part in as many activities as she was physically able to at Felician. Fran loved to read, do crossword puzzles, and over the years needle pointed many exquisite scenes, which were showcased in her home and apartments.

Survivors include two daughters and two sons-in-law: Barb and Tom Lavey, Fort Myers, FL, and Mary and Pete Stelzer, Manitowoc; five grandchildren: Casey (Trevor) Irish, Greg (Natalie) Stelzer, Emily Stelzer and Ryan Ackley, Andrea Ortega, Colin (Kathryn) Lavey; five great grandchildren: Oxford Ackley, Arthur Ortega, Isla and Francesca Stelzer, Adelyn Lavey; many cousins, nieces and other relatives who Fran loved dearly.

Fran was preceded in death by her husband Milford (Mel); by her sister and brother in law, Helen Ann and Don Vissers; by a brother in law and sister in law, David Knutson and Mary Knutson, and sister in law, Sylvia (Knutson) Peski

Donations in Fran's memory can be made to: Roncalli High School, Felician Village, or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Sharon S. Richardson Hospice, and Felician Village for the many happy years that mom lived there. You treated us all as part of your family.

A private family service is being held.

Mom – We read this at grandma's funeral – May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rains fall softly upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hands.

We love you, mom. Barb and Mary

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com