Nancy Stankewicz

Nancy Stankewicz, 84, passed away peacefully at home on July 2, 2024, in Appleton. She was born on April 23, 1940, in Whitefish Bay to the late J. Harold and Marion Rose. Nancy graduated from Whitefish Bay High School (her father was principal) and attended Drake University, where she earned a degree in elementary education.

In 1962, Nancy married Bernie Stankewicz. They met as teachers and built a life together in Waukesha, raising three active sons. Their shared love for travel led to years of family adventures. This began with hiking Isle Royale; teaching two years in the Netherlands (Nancy became fluent in Dutch); a summer in Poland teaching English to Polish high school students; camping across the U.S., including Alaska; a trip to Tasmania to visit a cousin; camping in Wisconsin with the Eagle Springs Canoe Club; and Nancy’s favorite, a yearly family fishing trip to Wabaskang Lake in Western Ontario to catch walleyes. 

A beloved wife, mom, grandma, friend, and first-grade teacher, Nancy touched so many people’s lives. As a role model, she set the bar high and left a legacy of love, caring and good times. Being in her company was always fun. 

Nancy was a talented watercolor artist, creating many beautiful paintings. An active member of St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Minocqua, she volunteered at the parish Thrift Shop as a cashier for 20 years. Each Christmas, she hand-picked a special “thrift shop gift” for each family member, much to our appreciation and/or amusement.

She bravely overcame polio as a child and faced head-on the challenges it caused her later in life. After she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, she continued to spread positivity and joy, despite her physical limitations.

Retirement brought a full-time move to their lake home at Big Bearskin Lake in Harshaw, where they enjoyed gathering friends and family together regularly. Nancy had a knack for entertaining as an art form. As soon as the clock struck 5 p.m., you could count on a snack tray and cocktails being offered.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Bernie, her three sons, Greg (Sandra), Todd (Bob), and Dave (Kristin), and her grandchildren, Megan (Patrick), Kurt, Eva, and Lila. She is also survived by her sister, Jean (Dave) Hamann and their family, Bernie’s relatives, and many other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s honor may be made to St. Matthias Episcopal Church https://www.stmatthiasminocqua.com/give.html, or the Big Bearskin Lake Association (mail to 9397 Birch Lane, Harshaw, WI 54529).

Brettschneider Trettin Nickel Funeral Chapel in Appleton is assisting the family with arrangements. (www.btnfuneral.com.)