Nancy L VanVickle
Nancy Lee Van Vickle, 76, died Nov. 25, 2025, at Eagles Rest Assisted Living in Pepin, WI, surrounded by family. She fought a losing battle with dementia that took everything from her except the love for her family and their love for her.
She was born Dec. 21, 1948, to Marvin Ernest and Erma Eldora (Blackburn) Van Vickle, the youngest of four children. She grew up in a home filled with love on beautiful Lake May in Walker, MN. She graduated from Walker High School and went on to beauty school.
She moved to Winona in 1968 and then to Fountain City in 1969, where she raised two girls she adored. She worked for Winona County as an HHA for 30+ years and provided life-changing love and care to countless families. She later moved to Cochrane, WI, and welcomed, loved, and cared for everyone who crossed her path. She will be remembered as a woman who spoke her mind and had unending love for her children, grandchildren, family, and friends.
She is survived by her sister, Valerie Erickson of Buckeye, AZ; sister-in-law, Sandy VanVickle of Walker, MN; daughters Chelsea (Peter) Krause of Santa Maria, CA, and Sheila (Corey) Van Norman of Durand, WI; grandchildren Casey Hoskins of Cochrane, WI, Tyler (Patty) Rieck of Nelson, WI, Zachary Krause of Santa Maria, CA, Aiden Van Norman of Durand, WI, Ryann Rieck of Madison, WI, and Logan Krause of Santa Maria, CA; great-grandchildren Maci, Gabe, and Liam; three nieces, two nephews, and extended families. Nancy was very blessed.
She has now been reunited with the family, friends, and beloved pets who went before her. We imagine her in the heaven she chose—forever enjoying a warm summer day, riding Tango, her horse, into town or through the forest, cuddling TeTe (her cat) in her recliner with Cheetos in hand and a Diet Coke (caffeine-free) or Dr Pepper nearby. We can see her laughing with loved ones, soaking up the sun, and jumping off the pontoon into the middle of Lake May just as she did in the days that brought her the most joy.
Until next we meet. Love you always!!
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.