Janice L. Knutson, 83, of Belvidere passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Friday April 25, 2025. She was born December 12, 1941 in Belvidere IL, the daughter of Ernest and Helen (Renz) Fiebranz. Jan was married to Delmer Knutson at St. John's United Church of Christ in Belvidere on September 16, 1972.

Jan was a 1959 graduate of Belvidere High School. After high school she graduated from Rockford Business College. She was a medical secretary at Highland Hospital and survived the 1967 Belvidere tornado, which destroyed the hospital. Later she was the family editor of the Belvidere Daily Republican. Jan's favorite job was working as a librarian at Perry School, where she shared her love of reading with many students over the years.

A lifelong Christian, Jan was involved in many church activities such as serving as a church elder, Sunday School and Bible School teacher, and directing the children's Christmas program. Jan served as the library board president of the Ida Public Library for many years. She oversaw the 1987 building expansion of the library and co-authored a book about the history of the library called "For the Love of Ida". She was also instrumental in starting the Friends of the Ida Public Library. Jan loved the Boone County Fair and won many ribbons for her sewing and quilting projects. She enjoyed many hobbies over the years, such as reading, quilting, playing cards, golfing at Timber Pointe Golf Club, watching game shows, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. Jan loved spending time with her family and enjoyed family holiday gatherings, picnics, and reunions. She liked to keep up with her grandchildren's activities and always supported them.

Jan is survived by her son, Daniel (Lisa) Knutson of Elkhorn WI; her daughter, Jill (Mark) Bertolasi of Belvidere IL; her grandchildren, Lauren Knutson, David Bertolasi, Sydney (Luke) Goetsch, Kevin Pauley, Megan Pauley, and Sarah Pauley; and her faithful dog, Margo. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Del.

Funeral service 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home 218 W. Hurlbut Ave. with Pastor Jim Bell officiating. Burial in Belvidere Cemetery. Visitation 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, at the funeral home. The family would like to thank Northern Illinois Hospice for their loving care. Memorials may be made to Boone County Animal Services or the Ida Public Library.