Gathering of Family and Friends
10:00 am - 12:00 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024 St. Patrick Catholic Church 1500 Vine Street Hudson WI, 54016
What a beautiful tribute to Nancy. She was so much more than words can describe.
10:00 am - 12:00 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024 St. Patrick Catholic Church 1500 Vine Street Hudson WI, 54016
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 pm Saturday, May 4, 2024 St. Patrick Catholic Church 1500 Vine Street Hudson WI, 54016
Nancy Kathryn Klaas, age 69 of New Richmond, WI passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on April 20, 2024.
Nancy was born October 17, 1954 in Red Wing, MN to Frederick and JuDea Klaas. She grew up in Ellsworth, WI with her 4 siblings (David, Suzanne, Martha, & Jim) where she developed her love of sewing (from her mother), baking (from her Grandmother), and adventurous spirit (from her Aunt Kathryn). She graduated from the University of WI Stout with a bachelor’s degree in Education and later went on to earn a master’s degree in Education from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN. She was a Special Education teacher for almost 30 years in Somerset, WI.
After graduating from Stout she was married to Greg Langer for 16 years, during which they raised 4 children (Brandon, Nick, Gavin, Whitney), who quickly became the love of her life. She could write the book on what it was to be an outstanding mom. Her children were her life, family was everything to her, and not a day went by until her last that she didn’t brag about them. Nancy raised her family in Roberts, Hudson, & Somerset, where she met the next love of her life. In 2003 she married Donald Haines and they lived in New Richmond where they built a home together. Nancy had the honor of becoming a wonderful stepmom to Don’s 3 children (Tyler, Tanner, & Traci).
Nancy excelled and was a blessing in every role she had: mother, wife, grandma, nana, sister, stepmom, daughter, mother-in-law, aunt, teacher, coach, mentor, tutor, neighbor, and friend. She had a strong faith, close relationship with God, infectious personality, and unmatched love for living. She enjoyed baking, sewing, dancing, hosting parties, painting, drawing, running, swimming, fishing, helping the homeless, and living life to the fullest. Nancy was creative, selfless, caring, compassionate, fun, adventurous, silly, talented, loyal, generous, and positively mischievous. The only thing she wasn’t was punctual, but almost always as a result of helping others or making others feel loved. She truly embodied being in the moment. Nancy left a positive impact on anyone she met by making everyone feel special. Anyone who knew her described her as amazing, unforgettable, and one of a kind. There aren’t enough words to describe how incredible she was and how much she will be missed. Not even fighting cancer diminished her bright spirit, and that light will continue to shine on in all the lives she touched.
Preceding her in death was her father, brother Jim & his wife Susan, granddaughter Camille, and nieces Michelle & Elizabeth.
Survived by her husband Don; mother JuDea; four children Brandon (Rachel), Nick (Nicole), Gavin (Lisa), and Whitney (Ben); three stepchildren Tyler, Tanner, and Traci; 13 grandchildren Donald, Theron, Wyatt, Ayden, Maddox, Hannah, Rowen, Ellery, Connor, Harrison, Gabe, Gabby, and Avery ; three siblings David (Ruth), Suzanne (Chuck), and Martha (Rick); as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial 12:00 PM Saturday, May 4, 2024 with visitation gathering 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Hudson, WI. Luncheon to follow. Private interment.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the family.
Services will be livestreamed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church website. stpatrickofhudson.org
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What a beautiful tribute to Nancy. She was so much more than words can describe.
I’m laughing at the “mischievous” comment. I remember when her and Don switched out all the “secret Santa” packages with boxes filled with junk and wrapped them back up. When the presents were getting opened, everyone was looking around like “that’s not what I had in the box!” A little while later Don and Nancy walk in with all the real presents on a cart. Oh the laughs ❤️. My time I spent working along side Nancy as a special education teacher in Somerset was filled with laughter, emotions, and friendship Nancy created a culture where everyone knew they were loved and respected. Prayers to all of Nancy’s family.
I worked with Nancy for four years at the Middle School. She was one of the best special education teachers I’ve ever worked with. Her concern was always about the students’ long term success and providing them experiences that created self-worth, compassion, and connection. This often meant making waffles instead of doing math. In the end, it was the waffles that made the difference. The math could wait.
A wonderful tribute to my cousin Nancy, her professionalism, her humanism and her selflessness. I’m honored and privileged to be included in her family and teaching tree.
May you all have a smile on your face as we honor her life and accomplishments.
What a beautiful tribute to Nancy. She was so much more than words can describe.
I’m laughing at the “mischievous” comment. I remember when her and Don switched out all the “secret Santa” packages with boxes filled with junk and wrapped them back up. When the presents were getting opened, everyone was looking around like “that’s not what I had in the box!” A little while later Don and Nancy walk in with all the real presents on a cart. Oh the laughs ❤️. My time I spent working along side Nancy as a special education teacher in Somerset was filled with laughter, emotions, and friendship Nancy created a culture where everyone knew they were loved and respected. Prayers to all of Nancy’s family.
I worked with Nancy for four years at the Middle School. She was one of the best special education teachers I’ve ever worked with. Her concern was always about the students’ long term success and providing them experiences that created self-worth, compassion, and connection. This often meant making waffles instead of doing math. In the end, it was the waffles that made the difference. The math could wait.
A wonderful tribute to my cousin Nancy, her professionalism, her humanism and her selflessness. I’m honored and privileged to be included in her family and teaching tree.
May you all have a smile on your face as we honor her life and accomplishments.