Janice "Jan" Knott

Janice Knott, 80, of Cochrane, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026.

She was born to George and Helen (Hunger) Bork on December 23,1945, the youngest of four children. She grew up on the Bork Farm on Buffalo Ridge overlooking Bluff Siding Wisconsin and Winona, Minnesota.

Jan truly embodied the meaning of a strong work ethic. Jan started her daily routine completing chores, then she would attend school at C-FC before returning home to complete more chores.

After graduating high school, Jan married Jim Przybylski and moved to Aurora, Illinois, where her two sons, John and Jerry, were born. Jan and Jim returned to the Fountain City area and later divorced.

In 1992, Jan married Norm Knott on a hay wagon at Knott’s Landing (former Indian Creek Resort) on the banks of the Mississippi River. With this union, she gained two stepdaughters, Jackie and Buffy.

She was happiest when she was busy, especially at the family businesses she shared with her husband, Norm. Whether she was serving drinks, fixing the bowling machines in the Alley Kat, or making pizzas for her local patrons, Jan gave every task her full heart. To generations of young and old alike, she became affectionately known as the “pizza lady”. But to those who knew her best, she was so much more than that. She was a familiar face, a helping hand, a listening ear, and a friend. Jan and Norm cherished the laughter, stories, and lifelong friendships that grew from the establishments they built together.

Jan had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome and loved. She loved everyone, and everyone seemed to love her right back. She was a giver to a fault, always willing to lend a hand or help someone in need. She never judged a person by where they came from or how long she had known them. Whether you were a lifelong friend, or a stranger, Jan treated you with the same kindness, compassion, and genuine care. She always looked for the good in people and believed there was something worthwhile in everyone. Many nights after a long day of work, Jan would be exhausted, but she would still pray for those who shared their troubles with her during the day.

Jan also had a wonderful sense of humor and a mischievous streak. Those who knew her well knew there was one thing she stood behind without hesitation – the Minnesota Vikings. She proudly remained a Vikings fan through thick and thin and took great pleasure in teasing the local die-hard Packer fans. Her playful spirit and quick wit brought smiles and laughter to countless gatherings and conversations.

She leaves behind not only a family who adored her, but also a community of friends, patrons, and loved ones who will remember her kindness, her laughter, her generosity, and the way she made people feel. She was an “angel among us”.

Jan is survived by her loving husband, Norm; her children, John (Barb) Przybylski, Jerry (Jessie) Przybylski, Buffy Knott, and Jackie (Knott) Lenz; her grandchildren, Tyler Przybylski, Ashli Baures, Nico Przybylski, Bradly Knott, Samantha Knott, Ryan Andrews, Jaiden Lenz, Cody Lenz and Kanon Lenz; her siblings, Jeannie Servais and Marlene Rolbiecki; her sister-in-law, Shirley Bork; her special foster grandchildren, Brent, Jason, Russel, Shandy, Franky, Aaron, Tayden, Adrian, Peter, Jake and Mathew; her eight great grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Mike Bork; her brothers-in-law, Mark Rolbiecki and Gaylord Servais; and her nephew, Ronnie Rolbiecki.

A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00PM on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Talbot Family Funeral Home, Alma Chapel with visitation beginning at 3:00 PM and continuing until the hour of service. Following the Service, family and friends are invited to join together for a Celebration of Jan’s life at the Cochrane VFW Post 10406.