Nancy Espie

1936 - 2023

Nancy Espie, 87, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, May 31st at River Pines Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation in Altoona, WI.

Nancy was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 4, 1936, to Harry & Edith (Eaton) Welshans. An only child, she graduated from Arsenal Technical HS in 1953 and worked in the secretarial field until meeting and marrying Frederick C. Espie on June 12, 1958. A homemaker raising four children, the family migrated to the Twin Cities in 1969, and then to Eau Claire in the summer of 1972.

She rejoined the workforce and was employed by Tri-State Security at the Eau Claire Airport where, as the sole security screener, she got to know anyone in town who flew on a regular basis. Security measures at that time meant opening and inspecting all carry-on luggage and hand-wanding passengers prior to boarding. And you did not want to wrap Christmas packages prior to boarding. She was later employed by North Central Crop Insurance and worked in their mailroom for a dozen years, retiring in 2000.

While working at the airport during the '70's, she befriended a rental car agent named Fritz, who, after her marriage ended, would become her partner in crime and life for the next 30+ years. She was a devoted member of Lake Street United Methodist Church, who loved her church family and was involved in many church groups and activities through the years. She also loved working in her flower garden and spending as much time with her children and grandchildren as she could.

She was preceded in death by her parents, former husband, and daughter Julie. She is survived by her companion Fritz von Schrader; sons Clay, Randy, and Jeff; grandchildren Jessi, David, Sommer, and Dylan; and great-granddaughter Amaya. She is also survived by cousins David (Nora) Welshans and Carole Robb, both of San Diego, CA.

A memorial service will take place at Lake Street United Methodist Church, 337 Lake Street, Eau Claire WI, on Saturday June 17th. Visitation will begin at 10:00am, with a memorial service at 11:00am. A luncheon at the church will follow the service. The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to the Visiting Angels, Heartland Hospice Care, and the River Pines staff for their superb care of Nancy in the final years of her life. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation, 3209 Rudolph Rd., Eau Claire, WI, is assisting the family. To express online condolences, please visit www.hulkefamilyfh.com. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to Lake Street United Methodist Church in her name.