Nancy Lynn Henrich, age 73, of the town of Pine River, passed away on Friday, September 2, 2016 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Merrill with family. She was born on September 23, 1942 to the late Merlin and Gertrude (Piggins) Piper in Racine, WI. Nancy attended and graduated from Racine Park High. She met and fell in love with George Henrich, while exchanging letters during his time of service in the army. They were married on June 20, 1964 at St. Lukes in Racine, WI. He survives.
Nancy most recently worked at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in Wausau in the medical records department until her retirement. She had also worked at Trantow’s in Merrill for many years, Thelma’s and Just Kids clothing store in Merrill. Nancy was a homemaker while her children were small, being able to spend precious time with them. She would also babysit a number of other children in the neighborhood. Nancy loved watching all of the children grow up and begin to live their own lives. Nancy had a passion for gardening. You could find her nurturing and cultivating her yard, which she made a tranquil area to share with family and friends. Nancy created a peaceful home and atmosphere. Another passion of Nancy’s was decorating. She would look forward to decorating her Christmas tree every year, and was very particular about it! Nancy would decorate her home and yard for all of the holidays, but Christmas was her favorite. She was a festive person that enjoyed the family being together for holidays and listening to the beautiful Christmas music. Nancy did enjoy some traveling, especially out West, but mostly enjoyed being home and around her family. She enjoyed researching the genealogy of her ancestors. She was a classy lady that always looked sharp, she loved jewelry and dressing up. Nancy loved her animals and enjoyed taking trail rides with her girls. Along with her love of horses, she had sheep and dogs. Her beloved dog, “Herbie”, was always at her side and “Abby” was her sweet girl. Nancy was a devoted wife and mother, a very loving and non-judgmental person. She would enjoy shopping and “bumming” around with her family and friends. Family was the center of her life. Nancy adored her family and devoted her life to them. She was a member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ Church in Merrill and the Merrill Historical Society. She will be sadly missed.
Nancy is survived by her husband of 52 years: George Henrich, of the town of Pine River, son: “Little” George Henrich Jr. of Merrill, daughters: Kathy (John) Schmidt of Merrill, Lynn (Lee) Dreikosen of Merrill and Joann (Grant) Schultz of De Soto, WI, grandchildren: Gera, Katie, Zoey, Ian, Raina, Bryce and Gibbson, sisters: Arlene Bankenbush and Margaret “Maggie” (Jim) Dostalek, her beloved dogs: “Herbie” and “Abby”, her sister-in-laws and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, aunt: Esther Piggins, brother-in-law: Bob Bankenbush and step-grandson: Michael.
A Celebration of Life for Nancy will be held on Friday, September 9, 2016 at 11:30am at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Merrill. Rev. Kyle Carnes and Rev. Missy Holdorf will co-officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 9, 2016 from 9am until the time of the service, also at the church. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in Nancy’s name to St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ Church, the Lincoln County Humane Society or the Merrill Historical Society.
Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made atwww.waidfuneral.com.