Nancy Jean Hemauer, 73

Nancy Jean Hemauer, 73, peacefully passed away Aug. 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving siblings in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She was born the fifth of nine children to Leo and Eileen (Hall) Hemauer on Sept. 28, 1952, in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Afflicted with cerebral palsy at birth, her life expectancy at the time was mid-30s. We are so grateful for Nancy’s joyful presence well beyond; she most certainly beat the average.

‘It takes a village’

Until young adulthood, Nancy resided in Stockbridge, Wisconsin, where she was the center of her large family, supported by the small community and a large extended Hemauer family who looked forward to seeing Nancy at annual reunions. Grandma Pearl Hall moved in to further support the family. As a youngster, Nancy attended programming at New Hope Center in Chilton, Wisconsin, and therapies at CP in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Nancy’s dad passed away when she was 14, and her journey toward independence was furthered when, at 35, her mom also passed, prompting a move to Green Bay in 1988. There she met her longtime friend and fellow resident Dave, and special caregiver Alice, who became her one-on-one caregiver for 22 years.

Nancy joined CP’s Adult Day Services Program in 1989, enjoying enrichment activities and social events. She took great pride in her work in the Work Activities Program, applying graphics on soccer league apparel. In 1996, Nancy was presented an award for “. . . valued contributions in the areas of self-improvement, leadership, community service, and service to CP.” Nancy enjoyed 32 years at CP, where she was a friend to many, always looking out for her peers and bringing kindness to those around her.

‘Have van (and Alice) will travel’

Nancy enjoyed special seating at more than a few Packers games, attended plays and concerts at the Weidner Center and Peninsula Players, went camping and boating, attended church, and traveled to family gatherings.

Upon “retirement” in 2021, Nancy moved to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to again be closer to family. She was warmly received at North Haven Assisted Living, where she engaged with new friends, cherished visitors and participated in activities including trishaw rides in her neighborhood and on the cart path at nearby SentryWorld Golf Course. Nancy enjoyed good health and especially good cheer until sudden illness just days before passing away.

Nancy is remembered for her smile and laughter, engaging personality, enthusiastic greetings, love for babies, sense of humor and empathetic heart. Though Nancy never walked, she left footprints on the hearts of all who knew her.

The family gratefully acknowledges the programming and staff at CP, advances in cerebral palsy research, increased opportunity for the developmentally disabled to lead fulfilling lives and, most of all, compassionate caregivers.

Survivors are siblings David (Lynda Kitzerow) Hemauer, Sandra (Robert) Mayer, Paul (Elaine) Hemauer, Jean (Paul) Harder, Joan (Richard) Karls and Larry (Dianne) Hemauer; sisters-in-law Marlene (Leitner) Thornber and Yvonne (Libke) Hemauer; special friend David Meyer; dozens of cousins; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Precedents in death are parents Leo and Eileen (Hall) Hemauer; stepfather Sam Pingel; grandparents Verne and Pearl (Calkins) Hall and John and Rose (Nadler) Hemauer; brother Michael Hemauer; stillborn infant sister; sister-in-law Charlotte (Lemke) Hemauer; niece Katie Hemauer; and special caregiver Alice Magray.

Visitation for family and friends is Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at Pisarski Funeral Home, 2911 Plover Road, Plover, Wisconsin, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., concluding with a brief memorial service at 12:30 p.m. All are invited to an After Glow Luncheon immediately following at the Sky Club, 2202 Post Road, Plover, Wisconsin. Private burial is at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Stockbridge, Wisconsin. Memorials in Nancy’s name will be designated for CP and Cycling Without Age of Portage County.

“Some people come into our lives and quietly go, others stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.”