Nancy F. Larson

Nancy Faye Larson (Schulze) passed away on July 5, 2022 at Aspirus Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. She was born October16, 1940 in Reedsburg, WI to Nina and Fremont Schulze. Nancy attended St. Peter's Lutheran Elementary School in Reedsburg. She graduated from Reedsburg High School in 1958, and enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison the following year. Nancy graduated from UW-Madison with a Bachelor of Science Degree in education and a fierce loyalty to both professional women and the Badger football team that continued throughout her life. Nancy taught elementary education first in the Wausau school district, and then in Wisconsin Rapids, were she taught at Pitsch Elementary and later at Mead Elementary school for many years. She received her Master's Degree from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. As fate would have it, Nancy rented the apartment above her future husband Jim's family house, the two youngsters met and were married June 17, 1967, moving into the family house downstairs, then finally building their dream home in Grand Rapids.
Nancy was a lifelong reader, and she particularly loved history and historical biographies, especially presidential first ladies and other women leaders of the day. Nancy's love of history, research, and her volunteer work at charity auctions at Assumption High School gave her the inspiration to open her own antique shop. In the mid-80's, Nancy and her husband opened Aunt Nancy's Antiques and Collectables in the front of Barrett's Auctions, and thanks to that friendship and support, Nancy and Jim were able to soon expand and purchase a permanent building location just south of Nepco Lake. After leaving teaching, Nancy spent many days and endless hours searching for antiques and collectables, relaxing at their lake lot, and taking long pontoon rides. After Jim's retirement from a lifetime of sales, Nancy eventually closed her shop as well, and they got to spend more time pontooning on Castle Rock Flowage and enjoying many beautiful sunsets, Packer games, and her beloved Badgers. Being a dedicated collector, Nancy was always looking to add to her Peanuts, Badger, Packer, Depression Glass or angel collections as well.
After too many decades of Wisconsin winters, Nancy and Jim headed south and found their "snowbird home" on the Gulf Coast, first in Biloxi, Mississippi, and post-Katrina in Orange Beach, Alabama. This new chapter in Nancy's life brought her and Jim many months of happiness, dividing time between shoe shopping, dining at an endless array of local restaurants, hitting the casinos and spending time with close friends.
Nancy is survived by her sister Joyce Mylrea, Stoughton, WI; sister-in-law Marsha Larson, Wisconsin Rapids, brother-in-law Mark Larson, Wisconsin Rapids, nieces Brooke Mylrea, Stoughton, WI, Lori (Mark) Hogue, Wisconsin Rapids, Marissa (Arthur) Rebischke, Wisconsin Rapids; nephews Brad (Rie) Mylrea, Okinawa, Japan, Brian (Sachie) Mylrea, Fort Wayne, IN, and Eric Larson, Madison, WI. Nancy also dearly loved her 6 great-nieces and 5 great-nephews: Sarah and Emily Mylrea, Miranda, Matthew, Michael, and Morgan Kelly, Maddie and Ben Hogue, Mara and Jack Rebischke, and Veda Larson. Nancy and Jim always followed their accomplishments with devoted interest.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jim Larson, parents Fremont and Nina Schulze, brother-in-law Richard Mylrea, sister-in-law Donna (Larson) Hodge, brother-in-law Robert Hodge, and niece Cindy (Hodge) Kelley.
Thanks to the Our House Assisted Living staff that provided compassionate care for Nancy during her stay at their facility. You gave her the opportunity to live with safety and dignity when care was most needed.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Hermann-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Wisconsin Rapids. A private service will be held for family.
The family requests that any memorials be directed to the St. Peter's Lutheran Elementary School in Reedsburg, WI.