Nancy Mae Reader

“Hi, it’s only me” were always the first words from Nancy in voicemails to her children. They’re the most understated words ever. Nancy was humble to a fault, and was in fact the greatest influence and the “glue” that held the family together that now includes 8 children, 23 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and many spouses.

Nancy passed away on January 30, 2018, after trying hard to battle back from a recent stroke and dealing with a very frail heart, at the age of 83. She was born in Milwaukee, WI on October 21, 1934 to Matt and Bea Kofler.

After marrying her high school sweet heart John and starting their family in Rhinelander, the family moved to Appleton in 1963. Despite a tight budget and large family, Nancy was the one that made sure her children sat for all meals together, were taken care of, and never wanted for anything. She was a genius at stretching dollars to feed the family of 10, and making Christmases, birthdays and family events so memorable. She was a homemaker while the children were young, helping to shape her feisty daughter and her 7 competitive boys to be respectful, grateful, and caring people. Nancy later enjoyed 20 years of employment at K-Mart.

Through her life, Nancy stayed on top of all her family’s activities, attending thousands of sporting events. She was often the loudest spectator, barking out in support of children and grandchildren. Referees didn’t want to mess with Nancy if she thought there was injustice to her family. This past year she even made the 13 hour drive to Nebraska to watch Grandson Matthew play college basketball. She was the greatest fan!
Nancy loved her large family and lived by example, being determined yet compassionate through life. She was always up for a challenge, from planning family dinners for 50, to quitting smoking without hesitation years ago, and completing a marathon at age 60, she could do anything. And she made it a point to purchase Christmas gifts for every grandchild until they were on their own. She was famous for her ‘clickety-click’ knitting speed, producing an amazing supply of slippers, mittens, and throws. Her mind was sharp to the end‚Ķshe could even recite the names of all 50 grand and great-grandchildren!

Nancy is survived by her children: Cindy (Scott) Shupp, John (Nancy) Reader, Rob (Sue) Reader, Mike (Michelle) Reader, Steve (Jody) Reader, Dave (Elyn) Reader, Tom (Mary) Reader, Rick (Julie) Reader; and her many grandchildren and their spouses; as well as her sister: Janet Mangerson; and brothers: Tom (Mary Ann) Kofler, and Jim (Bonnie) Kofler.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, John, her parents, her brother-in-law: Jud Mangerson, and son-in-law Greg Siebers.
Thank you Mom for doing it all and keeping us so tight as a family. We all know your voicemail of “It’s only me” isn’t accurate; it’s really “only because of you.” And don’t worry mom, we’ll all remember to ‘be careful’ whenever we travel. We know that’s what you wanted.

The Reader Family wants to especially thank the staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Appleton for their wonderful care.
The funeral liturgy Mass will be at 4:00 pm, on Friday, February 16, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 410 W. Lawrence St., Appleton, with Fr. Jim Leary, O.F.M. Cap. officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Friday from at 2:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, a donation to mom’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children Hospital, c/o: The Nancy Reader Memorial Fund, is appreciated. http://giftfunds.stjude.org/nancyreader