Nancy Ann Hardegen

She leaves behind her devoted husband, Emmett Hardegen, and her five children and their families, including nine grandchildren, one foster son, and stepchildren. They include son Dano (Buddy) Anderson and wife Tricia and their children Gavin and Elise; daughter Heidi Watts and her husband Mike and their two daughters Julie and Michelle; daughter Vicki Keenan and her husband Mike and their sons Ryan and Aidan; daughter Heather Scheunemann and her three daughters Jaidan, Evelyn, and Adalynn; and her daughter Jennifer Dvorak and her husband Tyler and their fur babies, Barron, and Josie. In addition, she leaves behind a foster son, Nicholas Thompson, and stepdaughter, Beth Borders, and her husband, Joe, and their children Ashley, Cody, and Zachary.

Family gatherings for every holiday, birthday, or just an ordinary weekend at the lake, the farm, the VFW Post, Grandma, and Grandpa's house, watching the kids jump the beloved peony bushes led to a love for the family beyond measure. She never missed a game, a recital, or a concert and encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue their passions and dreams.

Nancy was strong-willed and stubborn at times, but she also had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. She was generous, loyal, and brave. We have heard over the last several days about how she touched so many lives, whether it be a stray animal, a friend who needed a place to sleep, or a child that needed a home.

She will be remembered for all the heart she shared with her friends and family. She genuinely loved each of them- and if you knew her, you knew it. When her time came, she was strong and carried herself with dignity, strength, and love for those who went before her. She will be missed dearly.