Claire C. Henriksen-Knudsen

Claire Henriksen-Knudsen, age 73, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at House of the Dove in Marshfield, WI.

She was a loving mother, wife, and friend, and a creative, thoughtful, and deeply sensitive person who found meaning in caring for others and spending time with loved ones.

Claire was born in Racine, Wisconsin, the daughter of Mary and Harold Henriksen and younger sister to Mary Ellen and Harold Henriksen. She grew up on a farm, where she developed a deep love for animals, nature, and painting the landscape around her.

Throughout her life, she found joy in nature, art, cooking (especially her mother’s recipes like aebleskiver and Danish pancakes), and being with loved ones. She loved reading about the environment, politics, spirituality, and meditation, and found deep peace in nature, especially in the redwoods and near the ocean. She loved meaningful conversations, making new friends, collecting seashells, thrift store shopping, gift giving, and caring for her beloved pet bunny, Pepper.

She spent much of her adult life as a mother and caregiver, and persevered through many challenges as a single mom. She was passionate about women’s studies and environmental justice, and later enrolled in college at UWSP where she formed lifelong friendships and met the love of her life, Stephen Knudsen. They shared nearly three decades together, building a life around family, friends, and their love of music, learning, nature, and caring for one another.

Claire leaves behind her four children: Hillary Shroda, Hannah Garcia, Noah Garcia, and Ome Garcia, and is reunited with her husband, Stephen Knudsen.

She often reminded others that “change is the only constant in life,” and as she navigated a great deal of change in her last year, she lived life with incredible adaptability, grace, and presence. She will be deeply missed and remembered for her care and generosity, her creativity and resilience, and the love she shared so openly with those around her.

A Celebration of Life for Claire will be held at a later date.

Pisarski Funeral Home are honored to be serving the Henriksen-Knudsen Family. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com