Nancy Wuthrich

Nancy Lou (Fredrickson) Wuthrich, a devoted mother, compassionate nurse, and spirited Verona resident, passed away peacefully at home on June 3, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on May 20, 1940, Nancy's life was characterized by her unwavering care for others and a joy for learning.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Wuthrich; her son, Darwin; her father, Fritz Fredrickson; her mother, Joyce (Marty) Fredrickson; and her sisters, Pamela Fredrickson and Lin Jenkins. Nancy is survived by her loving sons, Daniel (Rosanne), Jim (Stephanie), Brett, and Christopher (Jenna), and six cherished grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to her life.

Born in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, Nancy was primarily raised in Verona, a community where she built most of her life. A bright and engaged student, she excelled academically, participated in numerous clubs, and was honored as Homecoming Queen during her junior year. It was in Verona that she met Donald Wuthrich, embarking on a 57-year adventure when they married on February 10, 1960. Their journey briefly took them to the foothills of the Rockies in Denver before they returned to Verona to raise their growing family. In her early career, Nancy managed pool operations at the Verona Quarry, where she organized a swim team and famously entertained with "water polo" matches featuring a greased watermelon – a testament to her playful spirit.

Nancy dedicated her life to caring for others, first as a nurturing mother to her five boys and later as a highly respected Registered Nurse. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UW-Madison in 1974, a remarkable achievement accomplished while raising her family. She often brought her sons along to classes, where they might observe an animal dissection or quietly nap during a lecture. A voracious learner, Nancy continued her education, pursuing a Master's in Nursing with a focus on the then-emerging field of Geriatrics, coming just shy of completion. She spent 27 years in nursing, with the majority of her career at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Madison, where she became a Nursing Supervisor. Over these decades, she provided comfort, skill, and her ready smile to countless veterans, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

Beyond her family and career, Nancy nurtured passions for swimming, gardening, and, for a time, breeding dachshunds. Her faithful dachshund, Sam, became her cherished companion in later years, traveling with her between Verona and her winter home in Apache Junction, Arizona. As dementia became a challenging part of her life, her son Brett lovingly took on the role of her primary caregiver, filling her days with gentle walks, scenic drives through the countryside, and frequent stops for ice cream, ensuring her comfort and happiness until her final day.

A service will be held at Salem United Church Of Christ, 502 Mark Dr., Verona, WI July 26 at 11 A.M. To honor Nancy's memory, contributions may be made to the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer's at this link: https://give.wiscmedicine.org/nancywuthrich

To view her obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Service
2418 N. Sherman Ave
608-249-8257