Nanette A. Bohren

Nanette A. Bohren, age 81, was set free from earthly bounds into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on Tuesday evening, July 27, 2010, nine months after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Nanette Aileen Spoehr was born June 21, 1929 on a farm in the Town of Bovina, Outagamie County, to Leland and Nola (Hogoboom) Spoehr. When Nanette was 9 years old, her parents purchased “the home farm” near Navarino, WI where she grew up. She graduated from Shawano High School in 1947 and proudly attended every class reunion thereafter. Nanette was blessed with a beautiful voice, which she used to the glory of God by singing in the church choir, at weddings and at funerals. In 1948 Nanette was united in marriage to Harvey Brandt and together they raised three children in Appleton, WI. They later divorced. In 1979 Nanette married Derold Bohren; he preceded her in death on January 24, 2009. In 1983 Nanette and Derold moved to a beautiful property on the banks of the Embarrass River near Pella, WI, where many joyful hours were spent bird watching, gardening, fishing, and enjoying visits with family and friends. While living in Pella, Nanette was very active in her church, and one of her favorite activities was the Ladies Salad Luncheon, an eagerly anticipated annual spring event, which was attended by daughters, granddaughter, sisters, and nieces. She was also very active in the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Nanette's greatest joy and accomplishment was in raising her family; her “purpose in life”. She loved her grandchildren with a special granny's love, and she fought so hard this past 9 months because she couldn't bear the thought of leaving her great-grandbabies. In 1980, at the age of 50, Nanette obtained her nursing license, graduating with honors, an achievement she was very proud of. She went on to work at several hospitals and nursing homes in the Fox River Valley and Clintonville areas, retiring in 1992. After moving to Eau Claire in 1999, Nanette cared for Derold throughout his long illness, and after she could no longer care for him at home, she was at his bedside reading and singing to him every day for 3 years. After Derold's passing in January 2009, Nanette moved to St. Francis apartments where she made many new friends, and enjoyed playing cards, cribbage, and working jigsaw puzzles. It was a happy time for her. Throughout her life Nanette loved words; she was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast and reader of books. She spent many an evening relaxing with a crossword puzzle with her dog-eared dictionary on her lap, or immersed in a good book.

Nanette was a loving and determined woman. A woman who was devoted to her family, who believed in the saving grace of God, and who was a champion of human rights and the environment. She was extremely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and she will be deeply missed. Granny we love you!

Nanette is survived by her children Brian (Jill James) Brandt of Portland OR; Meredith (Phil) Seidl of Eau Claire; Amy (Mike) Nordlee of Appleton; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Emily (Chris) George & Logan of Chippewa Falls; Jonathan (Kristine) Seidl & Sheyenne of Rapid City, SD; Tristan (Christy) Seidl, Kyra & Evan of Fall Creek; brother, Bryce Spoehr of Black Creek; stepson Jim Bohren and Marilyn Bohren, both of Sheboygan, and many nieces and nephews.

Along with her husband Derold, Nanette was preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses, Leigh (Eleanor) Spoehr; Kieth (Gladys) Spoehr; Judith (Raymond) Henrickson; Rachel (Wendell) Pues; and a sister-in-law, Ellen Spoehr.

Angels are never too distant to hear you.'

Angels walk amongst us, gentle beings who hear the cry of a soul in need. Nanette's family would gratefully like to acknowledge those quiet angels who, over the past 9 months, came to her aide, and the aide of her family. The tireless nurses on 2nd floor Oncology at Sacred Heart Hospital, Dr. Muslim and his staff at the Cancer Center, Dr. Sandager, the staff at Dove Heathcare-West, especially those who cared for mom with such patience and kindness, and who did all they could to help Nanette's family through this long, hard, journey. The staff at Northwest Homecare and later, Northwest Hospice, especially Lori, Sharon, Mary Ann and Mike, who provided mom with comfort, when there was little comfort to be found.

'When our mortal eyes close on this world for the last time, our angels open our spiritual eyes and escort us personally before the face of God.'

Funeral services for Nanette will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 209 S. Allen St., Appleton WI, with Rev. Brian E. Brandt, Ph.D. officiating. Friends may call at the church on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. A memorial fund is being established.

Wichmann Funeral Home
Tri County Chapel
3212 S. Oneida Street
Appleton, WI 54915
920 831-9905