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IRON MOUNTAIN -- Pamela Ann (Bottesi) Bednarz passed away Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family.
The daughter of Donald and Dorothy (Hultquist) Bottesi, Pam was born Sept. 30, 1959, in Waucedah, at her grandparents' home.
Pam graduated from Norway High School in 1977. She began her college career at Michigan State, but being 17 and from a small town, she was overwhelmed. She then proceeded to work various jobs until returning to college at UW-Stevens Point, graduating in 1988 with a degree in education. She then got her master's degree from Northern Michigan University and immediately got a job teaching at the Almond/Bancroft School District.
In 1990, she moved back to the area and began teaching for the Iron Mountain School District, teaching kindergarten before moving to fourth grade. She retired from teaching after the 2019/2020 school year.
Pam's greatest love was spending time with her children and grandchildren, especially following her granddaughters' soccer and volleyball teams. She even had the pleasure of accompanying her granddaughter, Hannah, on a soccer trip to Volkenberg, Netherlands, attending games in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. She also traveled to Florida and Las Vegas for soccer tournaments.
She loved interior design and constantly updated her home. She also always made sure she was physically fit and continued to do her workouts, even as she was going through her cancer treatments. Pam was an avid and passionate Packers fan and enjoyed playing in Fantasy Football, winning her league this past year.
In June of 1991, Pam met the love of her life, Ken Bednarz, and they were married July 3, 1992. They celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary this past summer.
Pam is survived by her husband, Ken; her three daughters, Amber Twiford (Zach Slater), Harmony O'Brien and Jaymie Reader; her two sons, Kenny Joe Bednarz (Anna Vicenzi) and lan (Kristen) Bednarz; five granddaughters, Hannah Payette (Alejandro Melgoza), Kaelynn and Raegan Twiford, Gabriella Reader, and Tessa Bednarz; six grandsons, Wyatt Provencher, Brayden Pietrantonio, Tres Bednarz, Ethan Reader (Caitlin Miner), Ben and Cooper Bednarz; two great-granddaughters, Maeve and Mia; sisters Susan Bottesi, Julie (Wayne) Wood, and Lisa (Gary) Weinhart; a brother, Donald Bottesi Jr.; as well as many other extended family members and friends, too numerous to mention all by name.
In addition to her parents, Pam was preceded in death by several aunts and uncles.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Morel, Michele Morel, Emily Essendrup and the nursing staff at the oncology clinic, Dr. McDowell and staff at the ER, Paige Fortner and the nursing staff at the Marshfield/Dickinson Hospital and Hospice for the excellent care we received for Pam.
At Pam's request there will be no services; a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Pamela A. Bednarz online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.