Obituary published on Legacy.com by Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – Lafayette Chapel on Mar. 10, 2026.
Nancy Evelyn (nee Hoefert) Schulz, formerly of
Slinger, Wisconsin, was called home to Jesus on March 10, 2026. After enduring a ten-year ordeal with Alzheimer's Disease, she passed away peacefully with her husband, Allen, by her side. Nancy was born on February 7, 1947 in
Hartford, WI to Ray and Ruth (nee Miller) Hoefert, who preceded her in death. She married Allen Schulz on May 20, 1967, and cherished almost 59 years together. Nancy and Allen were long-time members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in
Slinger, WI.
Nancy grew up on a dairy farm in Ackerville, WI, where she began her love of music as she fed the cows in the barn while polka music played on the radio (every farmer knows that cows give better milk while polkas are played). During her childhood, she was involved in 4-H, participating in the county fair with her sewing projects. Her parents fostered her music ability as she developed a love for playing the accordion. In her earlier school years, she joined an accordion band and participated in competitions and other performances. This eventually led to her also learning to play the piano and guitar. Throughout the years, she and Allen enjoyed participating in bowling leagues and their church's dartball team. Nancy was a fabulous baker and cook, as well as a talented crafter in sewing, cross stitch, plastic canvas, and quilting. She amassed quite a stash of fabric and made dozens upon dozens of projects for family and friends.
Upon graduating from Slinger High School in 1965, she was employed at Broan Manufacturing in Hartford where she met her soon-to-be husband, Allen. After raising her children as a stay-at-home mom, Nancy worked several jobs: customer service in the catalogue department at JCPenney, music teacher at the Hartford Music Center, and then as a bank teller at Forte Bank in Hartford until she retired.
Nancy and Allen loved to travel. In the 1970's and 1980's, the family enjoyed camping in locations from northern Wisconsin to South Dakota to Oregon. As the kids left home, Nancy and Allen continued their adventures, enjoying several trips to Hawaii, Florida, and Alaska. Internationally, they preferred cruise ships and swim-up bars while having fun on Caribbean cruises, a Danube River cruise, and numerous sun-filled vacations in Cancun and Punta Cana.
Above all, Nancy cherished her role as Grandma. Her kind, funny, quiet, generous, and peaceful disposition made each of her grandchildren feel unique, treasured, and loved. She could always be counted on to bring a pan of her world-famous scotcheroos to every birthday party and social gathering, and had a pot of her delicious "sketti" cooked and ready for the grandkids. Even as her children and grandchildren grew into adulthood, they were never too old for her to shake her "Grandma Hoefert" finger at them when they misbehaved.
Nancy is survived by her husband Allen Schulz; children Scott and Lori Schulz of
West Lafayette, IN, Brian and Dawn Schulz of
Spirit Lake, IA, Brenda and Shad Ruddy of
Mallard, IA; grandchildren Clara Schulz, Cohen Schulz, Taylor and Logan Bowman, Ava Schulz, Camryn Sexton, Terry Sexton, and Larry McAllister; great-grandchildren Hendryx Bowman, Nyx Bowman, Beaux Bowman, and Adeline McAllister; brother Ray Hoefert, Jr. and Kathy Harrison of Cedarburg, WI; and many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
This journey would have been unbearable if it weren't for her incredible hospice aide, James, whom the angels placed to help guide the family, even on the worst of days. The family also wishes to extend a sincere appreciation to the CNAs, staff, and the other residents and their families at Magnolia Court memory care at Westminster Village in West Lafayette for their loving care, compassion, and friendship given to Nancy and the family over the last sixteen months of her life. Also, many thanks to the CNAs and nurses at the Courtyard at Westminster Village, and all of the nurses with Redcrest Hospice who lovingly cared for her during her final days. Lastly, a big thank you to the Culinary Services of Westminster Village who kindly provided daily meals for the family during her journey's end.
The family also wishes to thank the partnership between Phillip Funeral Home in West Bend, WI and Soller-Baker Funeral Home in Lafayette, IN for the assistance provided. A memorial service will be planned at a later date in West Bend, WI, with inurnment at the Washington County Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Nancy's honor to the
Alzheimer's Association at alz.org or St. Paul Lutheran Church in
Slinger, WI.
Alzheimer's Disease is an unforgiving, brutal disintegration of the brain, erasing memories and eventually ceasing bodily functions down to its core. Never forget how precious life is. Never take a single moment for granted with your loved ones.