Nancy Ann West

Nancy Ann West, age 81, of Wautoma, passed peacefully at her home on January 6, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born June 14, 1941, in Mt. Morris, the daughter of Francis and Florence (Palm) Perry. Nancy was Valedictorian of Wautoma High School Class of 1959. She married Eugene “Gene” West on August 22, 1959, in Fort Knox, KY.

Nancy had a huge heart for her family and friends, celebrating life enjoying gatherings and games. She was an avid bowler up until this past fall frequently showing off a mean hook. Nancy also loved dancing with Gene. They were often seen cutting a rug with Whiting Dinner and Dance Club, at weddings, and local events. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, belonging to the Council of Catholic Women, always hosting a beautiful holiday table at the boutique.

Together, Nancy and Gene were local shop owners of Nanci’s Cards & Gifts on Main Street. Later, she was employed as Legal Secretary at Boelter Law Office. In 1987, she became Deputy Register in Probate for Waushara County until 2002. Nancy was very active in Wautoma City government, often times breaking the glass ceiling, being the leading lady in local politics. She served many years as an alderperson, was elected Mayor serving two terms, and also became Wautoma’s first Municipal Judge. Nancy remained active in the community until lately as a leader for the WHS Fifty-Year Club, an election worker, and a Waushara County Fair supervisor. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community.

Survivors include children, Jacki (Rich) Scholze, Burlington; John (Cha Cha Mike) West, Friendship; Carrie West, Wautoma; Paul West, Hancock; Steve West, Hancock; Vicki (Sam) Santacroce, Winter Haven, FL; Grandchildren, Tomena and Jakob Scholze, Tara and Brooke Neumann, Christopher Grinnals, Nicole West, Austin and Amanda West; Great grandchildren, Trevelyan, Delylah, Zeke, Liberty, Damien, Hayden and Carson; Sisters, Pat Hassmann, Texas; Susan (Max) Rios, Appleton; Jean (Dale) Armstrong, Wautoma; Carol (Denny) Lauer, Junction City;  Brothers, George (Maureen) Perry, Wautoma; Fran (Linda) Perry, Wautoma; Sisters-in-law, Mary Pica, Wautoma; Kathleen (Juergen) Krueger, Aiken, SC; brothers-in-law, Boyd Simonson, Waupaca; Wayne Lauer, Plainfield; Ralph Coerper, Almond; Glenn (Carolyn) West, Wautoma. Nancy is further survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gene on February 26, 2012, twin children Connie and Perry, parents, Francis and Florence Perry, sisters, Jane Simonson, Linda Lauer, and Kathie Coerper, and brothers-in-law, John Hassmann and Frank Pica.

Visitation will be Friday, January 13, 2023, from 4-7 p.m. at Leikness Funeral Home in Wautoma.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 11 a.m.  Visitation will be held at the church prior to mass from 10-10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wautoma would be deeply appreciated.