Nancy W. Gingerich

Riverside-Nancy Winifred Graber Gingerich, 86, of Kalona, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on October 7, 2024, following complications from cancer. Born March 8,1938 to Daniel and Mildred (Swartzendruber) Graber, Nancy was the first of four children. She attended rural school and graduated from Iowa Mennonite School in 1956. On July 30, 1957, she was united in marriage with Marlin Gingerich. They lived in the Kalona community their entire married life. 

Nancy’s life was one of love for the Lord and she showed that through service to her family and others. She spent countless hours helping her children by caring for her grandchildren. Her grandchildren fondly remember the hours spent with Nancy as she lovingly and patiently played games, read stories, and hosted tea parties where they drank raspberry iced tea from her fancy tea cups. There are many other ways Nancy created lifelong memories with her grandchildren, but a particularly poignant reminder of their time together is a handmade quilt she sewed for each one to commemorate their graduation from high school.

 Nancy was a faithful member of Sunnyside Mennonite Church, which she considered her second family. She served the church in numerous capacities over the years, from teaching Bible and Sunday school to being a staple at women’s sewing. She was a leading force in the kitchen, along with her sisters in the Victorian Sunday school class, for countless church events. She hosted many friends and family from all over the US, providing meals and offering a place to stay without reservation. When Nancy saw a need, she was always ready to lend a hand.

 Nancy enjoyed traveling and went to all 50 states, Africa, Israel, Haiti, various European countries, Canada and Mexico. She spent much of her time reading, quilting and volunteering at Crowded Closet. For 36 years, she served alongside her husband, Marlin, on 46 different MDS projects from 1986-2022. 

 Survivors include her husband, four children and spouses: Marlinda (Merle) Beachy, Lonna (Darl) Albrecht, Diane (John) Schrock, and Kendal (Sue) Gingerich; grandchildren: Amanda (Jon) Bleichty, Chance (Anna) Beachy, Lara Albrecht, Tyler (Erin) Albrecht, Seth (Danielle) Albrecht, Reid (Melody) Albrecht, Catrina (Joel) Miiller, Bailey (Brett) Troyer, Lincoln (Colleen) Schrock, Quinlan (Kyle) Miller, Ingrid, Gunnar and Elise Gingerich; 15 great grandchildren; 3 siblings: Lynn (Ruth) Graber, Ned (Marcella) Graber, and Mary Dawn (Richard) Robacker.

 She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Jesse Albrecht.

 The family extends their gratitude to all who have been supportive through prayers, cards, flowers and food during this difficult time. 

A Funeral Service will be 11:00 am, Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Sunnyside Mennonite Church in Kalona, Burial will be 9:30 am Saturday before the service at Upper Deer Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-5 then 6-8:00 pm Friday, October 11, 2024 at Sunnyside Mennonite Church in Kalona. A memorial fund has been established for Washington County Hospice. The Funeral Service will be livestreamed on the Powell Funeral Home Facebook page. Messages may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com. Yoder Powell Funeral Home in Kalona is caring for Nancy and her family.