Nancy Jean Orgeman, 73, of Hudson, Wisconsin passed away on April 12, 2022, after a long, difficult battle with illness.

Nancy was born in Frederic, WI on November 5, 1948, to Donald “Don” and Margaret “Peg” Orgeman. Nancy graduated from Frederic High School as the class valedictorian and pursued a degree in elementary education at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. After graduation, Nancy settled in Hudson and started her career as a kindergarten teacher at EP Rock Elementary, a position she loved with children she found endlessly interesting, smart, and funny.

Although she came from a small town, her spirit of adventure was huge. Throughout her life, Nancy prioritized learning about different people and experiencing different cultures. She loved to travel and made memorable trips throughout Europe, Asia, Central America, and North America. Many of Nancy’s summers were spent in Wyoming, exploring the Grand Tetons on long hikes with her close friend June Nystrom.

With an easy laugh and kind heart, Nancy made and kept friends easily. She hosted legendary potlucks, where she would draw names for door prizes and made everybody feel like they were the guest of honor. Tears of laughter were not uncommon in Nancy’s presence, usually as a direct result of one of her hilarious stories or an appearance with an appropriately-themed prop or silly costume. In addition to being funny, Nancy was an exceptionally generous and thoughtful person, prioritizing the needs of others throughout her life in countless ways both big and small. She was dedicated to a practice she called her “card ministry,” in which she showed people they were a priority in her life through the giving of cards for any and all possible occasions. Passionate about her spiritual growth, Nancy was a long-time member of the Minneapolis St. Joan of Arc Church community.

Nancy’s passing is a significant loss to all those who love her, and they also find solace knowing she has now found peace. She was preceded in death by her parents Don and Peg Orgeman, and her husband, Dennis Shanholtzer. She was a loving aunt and best friend to Meghan and Mike Orgeman and is survived by her siblings, Donald (Claire) Orgeman, John “Jack” Orgeman, and Priscilla (Don) Specht; Best friend, Judy Anderson; Nieces and Nephews, David Orgeman, Chris Bjorge, Dana Specht, Leah Travers; Grand-Nieces and Nephews, Lindsey Winrick, Amanda Bjorge, Brandon Orgeman, Leonard Orgeman, and River Specht; God-daughter, Hayley Brenna; and countless other family and friends.

Services will be held in River Falls at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church (211 E Division St, River Falls, WI 54022) on Saturday, May 7, 2022, with Mass at 11 am and visitation 1 hour prior. The service will be livestreamed on St Bridget’s YouTube Page

The lunch following the mass will take place in Hudson at O’Connell Family Funeral Homes (520 S. Eleventh Street, Hudson, WI 54016).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following: Clean Wisconsin, Mobile Loaves Twin Cities, and The Heifer Project.