Nancy Ann (Steinhaus) Lawrence, age 80, became a Christmas Angel on December 25, 2022, at the Deerfield Presbyterian Home in New Richmond, WI surrounded by her children.
She was born the eldest of three children to the late Dora (Green) and Allen Steinhaus in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on December 11, 1942. She graduated from Sheboygan High School in 1961 and continued with college accounting courses. In 1963 she married Thomas J. Lawrence and resided in Sheboygan where they had three children. They were married for 25 years. In 1989, she bought her own home in Sheboygan Falls, WI. A few years later she met Tom Ruppel. He was her significant other for the next 25 years. Following a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2013 and a stroke in 2014, she moved to New Richmond, WI and was cared for by her daughter, Christine and family until 2015 when she moved into the Deerfield.
As an 8-year resident of the Deerfield, “Fancy” Nancy was not only lovingly cared for by staff, but she deeply touched their lives by her perpetual positive attitude and contagious humor.
Nancy was a devoted mother to Carolyn “Kelly” Ottman, Christine Melby (Kevin), and Jeff Lawrence; and grandmother to Zachary Ottman (Ashley), Madeline Melby, Jeremiah Melby, Brienz Ottman, Lydia Melby, and Benjamin Lawrence.
Nancy enjoyed watching the Packers, cooking, baking and tending to her beautiful flower gardens. She showed her love by hosting big family get-togethers with homemade foods and desserts. Her hobbies included crafting and sewing. She made many doll clothes for her grandchildren and taught them each how to sew pillowcases, which they donated to Children’s Hospital.
Dedicated to her faith, Nancy was active at St. Andrews ELCA Church, serving in many roles including Youth Leader. She also volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader.
For over 20 years, she was the Office Coordinator for Dr. Tempas’ and Dr. Hogies’ Dental Practices in the Sheboygan Falls area.
Throughout her life, Nancy loved to travel and could read a map and navigate like no one’s business. She enjoyed trips to the Upper Peninsula as a child and camping together there as an adult with extended family. She traveled with her children, grandchildren and/or significant other to Alaska, Europe, New Orleans, Myrtle Beach, Tennessee, Branson and more!
She was an adventure seeker who, as an adult, went dog sledding, snowmobiling and jet skiing. After her stroke, she continued to enjoy 4-wheeling (mudding), gator rides around the farm, pontoon rides, fishing, and a helicopter ride in 2018!
Nancy is survived by brother, Fred Steinhaus (Jill); brothers-in-law, James Moore (Barbara), Tom Lawrence, Tom Ruppel; her three children, Carolyn “Kelly” Ottman, Christine Melby (Kevin), Jeff Lawrence; grandchildren, nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Barbara Steinhaus Moore (James).
A private service was held at the time of her passing. A celebration of her life will be held at 11 AM the New Richmond Methodist Church on Saturday June 24, 2023, in New Richmond, WI. Visitation for one hour prior to funeral at the Church. Refreshments to follow. She will lay to rest at the Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Sheboygan, next to her parents.
The Cullen Crea Funeral Home is assisting Nancy’s family. Nancy’s children would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Deerfield staff for their loving care of their mom. A memorial is being established to create a raised garden in her memory. Donations can be made to her GoFundMe. https://gofund.me/06a5f9a0.
Cards can be sent to Christine Melby 1549 200th Avenue, New Richmond, WI 54017.