Nena M. Powers

Nena M. Powers, age 92, formerly of Madison, passed away peacefully at the Rennes Health Center in Appleton on Monday, April 3, 2006. Nena was born on April 19, 1913 in Lodi, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Frank and Emily (Hillesheim) Richards. She was a graduate of the Lodi High School, and completed her training at the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Madison in 1936. As a young woman, she met her future husband, Dean Powers in Madison, while at a local dance. Shortly thereafter, Dean entered the United States Navy, and was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The couple was able to maintain their courtship through letters, and on November 17, 1945, were married in Madison. Her career in nursing spanned nearly five decades, and included an internship in Cook County, Illinois, and later worked as a Supervisor of Students at Methodist Hospital School of Nursing. She continued to care for patients in Madison area hospitals, and finally near the end of her career, she cared for patients in their private homes. Throughout her career, she was well known and well respected by health care workers in the area. When Nena reached her mid-eighties, she relocated to Appleton.

Survivors include two children: Frederick (Bethany) Powers of Sudbury, Massachusetts and Ann (Rodney) Muenster of Appleton; and four grandsons: Douglas Powers, Stuart Powers, Mitchell Muenster, and Andrew Muenster. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dean Powers in 1993, a sister Laura (Joseph) Currie; a brother-in-law Elliott (Mabel) Powers; and a sister-in-law Louise (John) Ivey.

The services for Nena will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, April 7, 2006 at BASHFORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 329 North Street in Madison, with Rev. Francis Deaner officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Memory Gardens, Madison. Friends may call at the funeral home in Appleton on Thursday from 4:00 until 7:00 PM and again at the church in Madison on Friday from 9:30 AM until the hour of the service. A memorial fund in Nena’s name has been established for the Arthritis Foundation.

Our mother lived her life for others as she cared for our grandparents, neighbors, and friends – and, of course, her family. Between her and our father, they were always helping someone out. They were always together and shared their love of travel with us on our annual road trips across the country. Just a few months ago, we shared memories together as we looked at pictures of a trip taken in 1962 to Seattle. In her prime, she loved to prepare large family meals, and took pride in watching people enjoy them. We will always remember our family celebrations on New Year’s Eve. Nena created a variety of crafts, many of which we still enjoy today. Our mother was also a “saver”, and in her last weeks, she kept busy returning photos and letters to old friends. As children, we always knew we were loved, and we also knew where she stood on everything. She had a quick wit, and didn’t “mince words” when she felt her opinion mattered. She kept that wit and determination to lead an active, purposeful life right to the end.

The family would like to extend their thanks to all of the wonderful caregivers at both the Renaissance and Rennes Health Center. You made our mother feel so much at home – the very same thing she did for so very many years as a nurse. Your kindness and care will never be forgotten by our grateful family.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231