Nancy M. (Kolka) Pophal, age 84, of Eagle River passed away peacefully at her home Sunday March 13, 2022. Nan was born May 31, 1937 daughter of the late John and Ann (Tutt) Kolka in Merrill, WI. Nan graduated from Merrill High School in 1955, attended Elkhart Dental College and married Paul Pophal January 19, 1957 in Merrill. The family moved to Eagle River in December of 1966 as Paul was given a managerial position with Northern Auto. Getting settled in a new community was important, but Nan was not one to remain idle for very long. She started working at the Gambles Store on Railroad Street, until they closed their doors. She did some seasonal work at the Cranberry Plant as well. Next, she was a vital friendly face at the Eagle River Information Bureau for many years working side by side with Sharon Congleton Benda. In September of 1998, a secretarial position opened up at the United Church of Christ, which she thoroughly embraced. She was the welcoming face at the top of the stairs, helping both ministers and the congregation with a myriad of details and duties. All told she worked with 13 different pastors/interims within the church before retiring on December 31, 2021. A great cook, and amazing baker, she was known far and wide for her lavish and varied Christmas cookie boxes each and every year. She loved to crochet, making many prayer shawls, lap robes for the elderly and Beanie Baby cuddlers for children. She often helped organize her high school reunions, fascinated by stamp and coin collections, and a member of FLOCK within the UCC church. Nan was also a voracious reader and had an extensive home library.
Nan is survived by her daughter: Kim (Claude Ceniceros) of Albuquerque, NM; son: Jay (Karen Brechlin) of Norway, MI; granddaughter: Alexis of Portland, OR; sister-in-law: Helen Kolka of Mosinee, WI; many nieces and nephews, extended church family and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband: Paul on August 7, 2008; brother: Ted of Mosinee; and parents.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Thursday March 24, 2022 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, in Eagle River, WI. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers a donation in Nan’s name can be made to your local animal shelter or the Arbor Day Foundation. Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com