Nancy J. Vandenput, 81, was born to Marvel (Kahler) and Clarence Schaal and raised in a close-knit family valuing spiritual growth, lifelong learning, and a work ethic. Favorite childhood memories involve exploration with cousins around their grandparents’ Olanda (Pipenberg) and Walter Kahler’s farm, then racing to Grandma Flora (Zahn) and Grandpa Dudley Schaal’s house for warm hugs and fresh-baked bread.
She graduated from Preble, where she met Donald and followed her heart to the altar in September 1961. The enduring spirit of commitment carried them for 39 years until Don’s unexpected departure in October 2000.
Nancy’s first job, wrapping packages at Kohl’s Gift Shop, became a skill for life; she delighted in seeing faces light up when people saw her elaborate and charming creations. She was a beautician at Preble Beauty Shop and cut hair in her basement for friends, family, and neighbors. Later, she worked with her mom at North Trail Sportswear until developing an autoimmune condition. Nancy transformed hardship into beauty by using her health experiences to share insights with others on their healing journeys.
Nancy loved learning and expressed wonder about things she was exploring right up until she left, including curiosity about her own end-of-life. She created a magical atmosphere in her simple home to lift spirits in the face of challenges. Every window contained crystals that flooded the rooms with colorful prisms when the sun shined in. Nancy liked walks in the woods and inherited from her father a joy of sports cars. She believed in the power of kindness, and of every green herb grown by God from the earth as sources of nourishment to body, mind, and spirit.
Survivors include daughter, Stacy Vandenput; grandchildren, Sage, Jade, and Raven; great-grandchildren, Haylem and Belle; brother, Richard Schaal (Helen); goddaughters, Carrie Schaal and Jessica Daul; in-laws, Jim Vandenput and Kay Mallien; nieces; nephews; cousins; dear friends, Cyndy, Jude, Sheila, Reisa, Faye, Irene and many others.
Nancy was preceded in death by husband, Donald; her rainbow child, Chad; parents, Marvel and Clarence; stepfather, Robert Elbe; in-laws, Marjorie and Henry Vandenput, Gary Mallien, and Rosie Vandenput; grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many dear elders, teachers, and friends in her naturopathic health circles.
Visitation and memorial service will be Saturday, May 6, 2023, fro 9-11:45 a.m. at the Nicolet Memorial Gardens. A meal at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Mauthe Center and afternoon walk on the arboretum will follow. The service will be livestreamed via Webex.
Nancy J. Vandenput
