Norma Knight

Norma Leigh Knight, age 93, passed away on August 31, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Norma was born in the home of her parents, Philip Settell and Thelma Owens in Bloomfield, Nebraska. The first of 3 children, Norma, Patricia Lou (Workman) and Phillip Owen Settell. She was the first grandchild, who was given lots of attention by her aunts, uncles, great aunts and great uncles in a very small community. The family moved to the southern border of Nebraska, lived in a house without running water, and bought the first family car. Two years later her family moved to Humboldt, Nebraska and a home with all the amenities. Norma played volleyball, acted on stage, and was a majorette and cheerleader in a small school. She worked evenings and Saturdays at the local bank. She graduated from Humboldt High School. Norma enrolled at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. The summer of Norma’s freshman/sophomore year at Wesleyan she began working at the Citizen State Bank where she met Charles (Chick) Knight. In 1951, Norma and Chick were married. Their first home was in Bellevue, Nebraska. The couple moved 3 more times and then stored their things while Chick attended FBI school in Washington, D.C. Chick was assigned to Cincinnati, Ohio where their first son, Charles Scott was born. Norma and family moved to Beatrice, Nebraska. A second son Timothy Leigh was born, and Chick began teaching and coaching. Two years later they moved back to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Chick joined his dad and brothers in the family banking business. They built a house and lived in Lincoln for 20 years. Two more sons were born, Bradley, and Thomas. Can you take a Nebraskan out of her state and city, settle her in the Minnesota Northwoods? Sure, you can – in 1975, Pinehurst Lodge on Lake Benedict became another home for her guys and their families. Norma and Chick operated Pinehurst as a resort for another 20 years and lived on the property the rest of their lives. She participated in The Walker Chamber of Commerce, the Minnesota Congress of Resorts, PEO, the Walker Community Church, and many quilting groups and card clubs. She enjoyed fellowship on all levels. Norma and Chick regularly attended local school events cheering on not only their sons and grandchildren, but all of the players. They were avid fans of all sports and events, enjoying every opportunity to support the WHA Wolves activities. Norma learned to camp out and four-wheel drive in the Nebraska sand hills and vacationing annually two weeks at a family cabin on a lake in MN, was her favorite. Norma loved to read, quilt, knit, garden, paint, weave baskets, bake cookies, grandmother, and watch volleyball and tennis on TV.

Norma is survived by 4 sons: Scott (Deb) Knight, Tim (Mary) Knight, Brad Knight, Tom (Patty) Knight; Nine Grandchildren: Heather Knight, Ryan (Heather) Knight, Carrie (Jeff) Zima, Andrew Knight, Simon Knight, Jack (Amy) Knight, Kate (Joel) De Leon Knight, Taylor (Annie) Knight, and Sarah Knight; 11 Great Grandchildren: Raina, Evelyn, Juniper, Avery, Nora, Henry, Haddie, Mari Leo, Eduardo, George, Molly; and many Nieces and Nephews.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents, her 2 siblings, and her husband Charles. Norma will be remembered as positive, kindhearted, and engaging.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 14 at 10:00 am at the Community Church of Walker. Funeral services at 11:00 am with Pastor Michael Small officiating. Lunch will be served following the services. Inurnment will be in the Walker Evergreen Cemetery.

Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral and Cremation Service of Walker and Hackensack.

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