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Lisa Ann Knudtson, a beloved daughter, mother, sister and friend, was born at Buena Vista County Hospital in Storm Lake July 23, 1963, to Douglas A. Knudtson and Sherry Koch Knudtson. Lisa passed away at home Sept. 25, 2024, surrounded by her family and dear friends.
Lisa was baptized at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Rapids. She began her early years in Ellsworth where she started school and joyfully welcomed her sister and brother, Kristin and Bart. The family later moved to Storm Lake where Lisa spent her childhood and teenage years.
Lisa was confirmed at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Storm Lake and graduated from Storm Lake High School in 1981. During the summers, she swam on swim team, worked as a lifeguard and taught swimming lessons at Storm Lake Municipal Pool.
After high school, Lisa attended Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb., and later transferred to Briar Cliff College (now Briar Cliff University) in Sioux City, where she graduated with a B.S. in fitness and health. Lisa worked at St. Luke’s Hospital in Sioux City, where she later headed the wellness program for employees, did health screenings and lead aerobics classes.
Lisa married Mark Pishek Aug. 24, 1985, and together they welcomed two children, Michael and Lauren. Although Lisa and Mark eventually separated, they continued to share their love and dedication to their children.
Lisa found her true calling in nursing. She went on to graduate from St. Luke's nursing program and became a proud registered nurse. Throughout her career, Lisa worked as an RN in Sioux City; Tucson and Flagstaff, Ariz.; and Sioux Falls, S.D. She was deeply proud of her work as a nurse, and her colleagues remember her compassion, patience and amazing bedside manner.
Lisa later moved to Tucson, Ariz., where she worked as a nurse for 10 years and met John Lucas. When diagnosed with cancer, Lisa and John moved back to Sioux City where she continued her nursing career in Sioux Falls and Winnebago, working for as long as she could.
Lisa was a vibrant and easy-going person with a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She loved music, attending concerts, participating in her book club and her beloved pets. Lisa also enjoyed volunteering at Animal Rescue League, collecting beautiful rocks, swimming and going on nature hikes. She was blessed with many dear friends and a family who loved her.
Lisa faced her battle with cancer with courage and grace, and her memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her parents, Doug and Sherry Knudtson; children, Michael Pishek and Lauren Pishek (Luke); her life partner John Lucas; her sister Kristin Knudtson Tracy; brother Bart Knudtson; as well as aunts, uncles, a niece, a grand-nephew, cousins and dear friends.
Lisa was preceded in death by her grandparents: Herb and Evelyne Koch, and Arthur and Olea Knudtson.
A memorial service to celebrate Lisa’s life will be held at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, 6200 Morningside Ave., Sioux City, on Oct. 26, from 2-3 p.m. and a visitation from 3-4 p.m. prayer service/ memorial.
Donations may be made in her honor to the Animal Rescue League (https://arliowa. planmygift.org/memorials-and-tribute-gifts) or a charity of your choice.
Lisa's compassion, dedication and warmth touched the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed.
