Lora Sue Knott (Kurtenbach), 57, died April 11, 2026. Her life was a gift as she was born May 18, 1968 at St Joseph Community Hospital in New Hampton, IA to Lawrence (Larry) and Jeanette Kurtenbach (Winter) as the fifth of six children. She was baptized by Rev. Steve J. Willging at St Mary Catholic Church, New Hampton, Iowa on May 26, 1968. She received her first communion at St Mary, Dorchester on June 13, 1976 and was confirmed by Most Rev. Francis J. Dunn at St Mary, Dorchester on March 27, 1979.
As a youth she had many fond memories with her family as they farmed in Northeast Iowa and Texas. Her favorite memories were playing in the creek and Sunday visits to grandparents. She also enjoyed time with classmates who would become lifelong friends, played sports and had a paying job in 7th grade at Larson’s Supper Club in Dorchester. She graduated high school at Waukon Senior High in 1986.
She soon began life as mother to Ashley, David and Amanda. Her and Ron Fahey worked hard to provide the best they could to raise three children as young parents. It was always prioritized to hand on the faith to their children and ensure the Sacraments were given to them. She was vigilant in teaching her children morals, a hard work ethic, that someone always has it worse, and how to have a little fun—maybe too much fun!
Lora and the children moved to McGregor, IA in 1994 to help open the new Aldi’s in Prairie du Chien, WI. Lora later worked two jobs while enrolling in the nursing program at Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar, IA. She graduated in 1997 and was a Registered Nurse by 2004. Her nursing career began at Great River Care Center in 1998 and transitioned to Memorial Hospital, Prairie du Chien which later became Crossing Rivers Health. She served as a charge nurse, home health nurse, hospice nurse, personal home service nurse, health care intake coordinator for five departments, and the last 8 years as clinic nurse/triage. Along the way her and Roger also opened and ran a successful business in McGregor: Top Shelf.
She met Roger Knott in 1997 and the next year they began a life together committing themselves to each other on October 9, 1998. These two preferred to not let too many hours pass without one another; they both found so much comfort in one another’s constant love and support. It didn’t take long for them to discover their mutual enjoyment of life: vacations, Harley rides, working on their properties, river life and the many sunrises and sunsets together. This included many shared moments with dear friends and of course family. With the purchase of their dream home on the river in 2022 in Lansing, IA, Lora was given the perfect place to spend her final days as she looked out on the river.
Lora first got to be called grandma in 2012 and how exciting this new role was for her. She asked for 20 grandchildren and she’s almost got it! She was the fun grandma who always had activities planned for ‘most’ of their energy; while at the same time was not afraid to correct them to become their best selves. Her grandkids love their grandma and have and will continue to pray for their grandma with much love.
Lastly, we highlight a few of the gifts Lora gave us all: her smile, her joyful spirit, her no-nonsense work ethic, her ability to bring people together: whether it was family or friends or strangers, Lora knew how to make people feel welcomed and could not be out-done in hospitality. But most of all, we hope that her persevering faith is what marks her life as through all the ups and downs, she in the end knew that God is all that matters. While her illness was difficult and unexpected, God drew her even closer to Him as she surrendered to Him. May the strength of her faith encourage us all to depend on the Lord.
God gave her life and she shared that life with the world.
Please join us in praying for her as we commend her soul to God and give thanks for her life. A wake will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 4-8 PM in St Mary Hirsch Hall, McGregor. A rosary will be prayed for her at 3:30 PM at St Mary Catholic Church, McGregor, prior to the visitation. The visitation will conclude with a Vigil Prayer Service and Sharing in St. Mary Catholic Church.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Friday, April 17, 2026, at St Mary Catholic Church, McGregor with the Rev. Martin Coolidge as the celebrant.
Burial will follow at St Mary Catholic Cemetery, McGregor, with a meal to follow at St Mary Hirsch Hall. Prior to the funeral mass there will be a Nurses Honor Guard at 9:30 AM in the church.
There will be no visitation prior to the funeral mass. If you are planning to attend the funeral, please be seated when you arrive at the church.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Services of McGregor, Iowa, has been entrusted with handling arrangements for the family.
She is survived by her husband: Roger Knott, Lansing, IA. Her mother: Jeanette Kurtenbach, LaJoya, TX. Her mother-in-law: Judy Knott, Eldora, IA. Her three children and their spouses: Ashley & Adam Simon, McGregor, IA; Dr David & Kristen Fahey, Manchester, IA; and Amanda & John Schuller, Granton, WI. Fifteen grandchildren: Matthew, Payton, Kyra, David, William, Daniel, Avery, Wyatt, Emma, Evelyn, Emmett, Cecilia, Tate, Luke and one “on the way”. Lora’s siblings: Joel and Lee Kurtenbach, Nancy & Gary Messner, and Peggy Donohoe.
She is preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Kurtenbach; brother, Eric Kurtenbach; father-in-law, Robert Knott; and three grandbabies waiting to greet her.
May the souls of the faithfully departed and the lost souls, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.