Obituary: Elma Mae (Mart) Knickerbocker

Elma M. Knickerbocker, 86, died peacefully in her sleep on June 1, 2023, at Miller-Dwan. She was a long-term Scanlon resident, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a loyal friend to many.

Her numerous friendships included the women on her bowling and softball squads, of which she was proudly an active member as a proficient bowler and a reliable catcher. She was also a very avid sports fan who watched every Twins and Vikings game she could. Her favorite pastimes included watching ballgames, having a few beers with friends, playing cards, listening to country music, telling off-color jokes, and bragging about her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She took pride in telling stories about the life lessons she had personally taught her children, including about the value of being honest, law-abiding, kind, thrifty, resourceful, independently minded and strong-willed. Her unique strategies of saving money and her beloved fruitcake recipe will be fondly remembered and cherished.

Elma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vernon Knickerbocker; granddaughter Autumn Beck; sons-in-law, Jeff Beck and Jim Ranta; and numerous siblings. She is survived by her children, Vicky (Roger Pickering) Knickerbocker, Ricky Knickerbocker, Bonny Ranta, Cindy Beck and Mark Knickerbocker; grandson, Nicholes Beck; granddaughter Jesse Leno; great-granddaughters, Isabelle Hamsmith and Harlow Leno; great-grandson, Alex Antiel; brother Jimmy Mart; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. memorial service Friday, June 9 at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. A luncheon will follow, in the fellowship room. As Elma was an avid Minnesota Twins Fan, the family invites attendees to wear Minnesota Twins apparel.

Pine Knot News, June 9, 2023