Nancy Jane Guettler
Holt, Michigan
Nancy Guettler, loving wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, and nurse died suddenly and unexpectedly on August 3, 2019, at the age of 70.
Nancy was born June 20, 1949, and was the daughter of Donald and Mary Jane Wurtz of Winfield, Illinois. Nancy married Michael Guettler of Cologne, Minnesota, on December 1, 1979. Together they had three children, Noah, Jonah, and Zoe.
Nancy was preceded in death by her father, Donald Wurtz; brother-in-law, Donald Guettler; and her son, Noah. Nancy is survived by mother, Mary Jane Wurtz; husband, Michael; children, Jonah and Zoe; siblings, Don Wurtz and Wendy (Josh) Markus; in-laws, Jeanne Chevalier, Stan and Mary Ellen Guettler, James and Jan Guettler; nieces, nephews, many special friends, and colleagues.
Nancy received a B.S., RN from The College of St. Catherine and a M.A. from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. Nancy worked as an RN at Mount Sinai Hospital and for physicians at Medical Arts Building in Minneapolis. After starting her family Nancy was an RN for Mt. Olivet Rolling Acres, a Minnesota long-term residential home for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In Michigan, Nancy was a dedicated school nurse for Holt Public Schools where she worked for the past 24 years.
Nancy was endlessly devoted as mother and nurse to Noah, who became severely disabled in infancy, until his death in 2017 at the age of 34.
Nancy donated many hours advising and promoting Helping Hands Respite Care, formerly known as Lansing Area Parents (LAP) Respite where she was a board member for a number of years.
Nancy enjoyed her little flower gardens in the summer and she had a year round voracious and omnivorous taste for books. She loved to watch birds with her husband and watch meteor showers with her adult children. She especially loved bumping around a weekend sale while socializing with dear friends.
Mass of Christian Burial for both Nancy and son Noah will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 26, 2019, at the Church of the Resurrection, 1505 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan. Visitation will be at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Church of the Resurrection School, Helping Hands Respite Care, or University of Michigan Assisted Ventilation Clinic.
39 Messages to “Nancy Jane Guettler”
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Sue Kranz
August 5, 2019 at 6:24 pmMike, Jonah & Zoe,
I am so sorry…cannot find words to express the deep loss I am feeling. We plan on coming.
Our Prayers and Love,
Dave, Sue & family
Dave Bird
August 5, 2019 at 9:17 pmOne of the nicest people I’ve ever known. She loved her family, enjoyed the kids, she worked with, as well as being a wonderful co-worker. Nancy will be missed. K
John Stauffer
August 6, 2019 at 8:12 pmNancy is one of the few people in my life who I never, ever, heard speak a harsh word about anyone. She was instrumental in helping me learn how to embrace the families we cared for at LAP Respite Center. She will always be remembered as someone who made good people better, and difficult circumstances tolerable. Love her, and my prayers go out to her family.
David Guettler
August 7, 2019 at 2:45 pmI will always remember Nancy. She was always so nice to everyone. My sympathy goes out to her family.
Walt Sutterlin
August 7, 2019 at 5:14 pmNancy was an outstanding school nurse and team partner for many years. She was able to soothe parents and staff with her medical knowledge, worldly wisdom, and steadfast calmness. The Washington Woods family will be heartbroken for a while.
Nancie Bauer
August 7, 2019 at 5:57 pmI am in utter shock. I’ve worked with Nancy my entire career at all the different buildings of our district. I felt like she was a dear friend but she made everyone feel that way. I can’t even believe this news. I’m so sorry for your profound loss.
Nancie Bauer
Sarah Kramer
August 7, 2019 at 9:59 pmNancy was a wonderful person. She shared with me. She taught me. She connected and inspired. Her passing is a shock. I will always be grateful that I was able to walk through time with her.
Sarah Cotton Kramer
Jennifer Craft
August 8, 2019 at 8:51 amAs I read each of these comments, I find myself echoing the very same thoughts. Nancy was a true gift to each person she touched. She had a very special way of empathizing and encouraging without overreacting, making you feel like everything was going to be okay. She was always gentle and always positive. I honestly never heard her say anything negative about anyone. She was always quick to help others, and she never shied away from a challenge. I learned so much from her, and I will keep her memories close as I strive to follow her example.
Continued prayers for her family!
Krista Lewicki
August 8, 2019 at 5:06 pmNancy was an amazing co-worker. She worked and listened to students in a way that made them feel heard and understood. She had a great sense of humor and I often said I was going to start writing down her comments during meetings because she was so witty and funny. She was dedicated to working as a team and thinking of others. She will be missed.
Krista Lewicki
Dan & Danielle Knechtel
August 8, 2019 at 5:51 pmNancy was the most professional lady I have ever known. Always dependable and would help anyone at the drop of the hat. I could not believe the news. I will miss her smile and positive attitude towards life. God Bless.
Kristin Hundt
August 8, 2019 at 7:28 pmNancy could not have been more professional, more kind, more compassionate, and more empathetic. A role model for us all.
I’m so glad to have known her.
Sending love and prayers to her family and all those who love her.
Ingrid Holtry
August 8, 2019 at 7:42 pmNancy was as empathetic as anyone I have ever known. She was always encouraging. She blessed me with great wisdom on loss and raising kids.
My prayers are with her family and friends!
Emily Edger
August 8, 2019 at 8:13 pmI would often find myself stopping by Nancy’s office door on Thursdays for a chance to say hi and visit for a while. Nancy seemed to have the answer to everything and the best listening ear I could find. I was so thankful to have had the opportunity to visit with Nancy one on one before her last day at the junior high. I was able to thank her for all of the kindness and guidance she provided me in my new role. I will forever treasure that conversation. I miss her dearly already. May her friends and family find peace with this profound loss.
Kelly Felton
August 9, 2019 at 1:29 amAs has been stated so many times already, working with Nancy was a true blessing and the world was better place because she was here. Until we meet again…
Stephanie Grabiel
August 9, 2019 at 8:51 amNancy was a very genuine and thoughtful person. She brought so much warmth and support to all she met. She made everyone feel at ease and you knew she would do whatever she could to help students. She touched so many lives and I will miss her dearly.
Meghan Suty
August 9, 2019 at 9:39 amI only worked with Nancy for a few years but I am a better counselor because of her. Despite our silly meetings, the bottom line was Nancy would do anything to make sure students were receiving the support they needed. She spent hours on the phone with families listening to their frustrations and partnering with them to advocate for their children. She was truly one of kind and this world is a little less bright without her.
Eric and Katie Hanson
August 9, 2019 at 2:39 pmAs many have written here, we were so fortunate to know Nancy. Her kindness and thoughtfulness always shone through as well as her great sense of humor! She was empathetic and supportive, and could always crack a joke to make everyone smile. Just a delightful person. Nancy is someone who will hold a place in our hearts forever.
Lois Courter
August 9, 2019 at 2:57 pmNancy and I shared an office at Washington Woods Middle School. This is heartbreaking news for me. She was a lovely person and confidant. I’m glad I had a chance to give her a hug on her last day before retirement.
Mary Lovejoy
August 10, 2019 at 7:13 pmNancy was an inspiration to us all. She was one of the most caring individuals I worked with. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeanette DeRosa
August 11, 2019 at 1:52 pmI was heartbroken when I heard this sad news. Nancy was always there for me when I worked with students with a medical condition. She was so wonderful with students and parents but also great support for those of us who had students depend on us for their medical needs and made us feel confident in our jobs. I’ll always remember Nancy being so kind and had that beautiful smile. Rest in peace.
Joann Weil
August 11, 2019 at 6:47 pmI will miss My weekly chats with Nancy, sheas a breathe of fresh air. Nancy always has the ability to make parents and students feel at ease when in meetings. Her warm smile and friendly demeanor will be missed by so many.
Joann Weil
Suzanne Wardell
August 12, 2019 at 7:26 amNancy was truly a special person. I always enjoyed talking with her and hearing her insight.She will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Suzanne and Dave Wardell
Melissa Stuard
August 12, 2019 at 8:43 amI first met Nancy while working at LAP Respite Center. I very much enjoyed having the opportunity to catch up with her when I came to work in Holt. Nancy had an innate ability to work with caregivers of all ages and experiences. She was a patient, kind, and steady voice for both parents and staff. Nancy truly had a heart of gold and will be greatly missed.
Katie Stollhans
August 12, 2019 at 9:39 amThe day is always brighter with Nancy in it.
Every Thursday when I heard the clickety-clack of her rolling cart, I knew she was “in the house” and open for business.
Nancy is one of those people who when you first meet them, you feel like you’ve known them forever. Thank you Nancy for being a part of my life and bringing joy to me and all around you.
Shannon Marschall
August 13, 2019 at 11:23 amNancy was such a warm, empathetic, and truly caring person. She always took time to help students, staff, and parents with both patience and kindness. I feel so grateful and blessed that I was able to work with her. Thank you for all that you have given to so many people, Nancy.
Katie Bielecki
August 13, 2019 at 1:59 pmThank you, Nancy, for the good you put into this universe. From the first day on the job, your smile put me at ease and you made Holt a welcoming place to be…I saw countless faces of families and students who shared that feeling of ease during interactions with you. You will continue making the world a better place through all that you inspired.
Wayne Abbott
August 14, 2019 at 1:42 pmSome work colleagues are just that. The Holt Special Education Department was filled with a group of people that were so much more than that. Nancy was the epitome of that above and beyond persona. Truly, every interaction with her, you left feeling the sincerity and caring that was in her. This honesty and passion was exhibited towards her job responsibilities, the kids she was assisting, the parents she helped support and us teammates who got to call her a friend. We’ve lost a special person. May her faith serve as a support to the family and her path and reward.
Jan Guettler
August 14, 2019 at 7:07 pmHer smile was so awesome. Always positive in everything, something we all can learn from her.
Her path to heaven certainly was a straight line. May her beautiful soul Rest In Peace.
Gerry Mutty
August 15, 2019 at 11:41 amI had the pleasure of serving with Nancy on the LAP/HH board for many years. During the years I served as Chair, Nancy was always one of the first people I would go to when I needed help because I knew that I would always get great and helpful advice. You are gone far to soon, my friend, and you will always be remembered by Sue and I as a person who made the world a better place for all who knew you.
Karen and Pete Devlin
August 17, 2019 at 10:22 amPete and I are so deeply saddened to just get the news here in Virginia about Nancy. I was blessed to know Nancy as a colleague at Holt Public Schools and as her next door neighbor. We watched Zoe and Jonah grow up from youngsters to college students. Nancy was a blessing to everyone who knew her.
Our prayers are with Mike, Zoe, Jonah, and the rest of her family.
MARY LAPORTE
August 18, 2019 at 7:28 pmAs the school nurse, Nancy was my other half. She was my friend. Nancy selflessly gave of herself to anyone in need. The world is a better place because Nancy was here, and, the love she gave will continue to ripple outwards for years to come.
I am so deeply sorry for her family who are being required to bear the unbearable.
Christine Lopez
August 18, 2019 at 8:33 pmNancy was one of the kindest people I have ever known. She was an outstanding school nurse and always showed so much compassion to the students she cared for. I will miss her and her gentle and kind ways.
Jane Rogers
August 20, 2019 at 10:23 pmI was blessed to have worked with Nancy at Helping Hands Respite. She was dependable, wise and so kind.
Lisa Francisco
August 22, 2019 at 7:10 amMy heart goes out to Nancy’s family. I had the beautiful experience to work with Nancy while principal for Alaiedon Elementary. Nancy was instrumental and warmly supportive of us in supporting and educating our medically fragile students. She always made sure we were confident in our abilities no matter the level of care necessary. I always looked forward to seeing and working with Nancy. Much love and support to the Guettler family and friends.
Sue Kenney
August 22, 2019 at 6:37 pmNancy and I worked together for a good many years at Holt High School. I was blessed to have worked with Nancy for a long time. My prayers are with the family and friends as they mourn their loss. Sue Kenney
Dave Runyon
August 23, 2019 at 11:12 amI had the pleasure of being a parent helper with Nancy in Girl Scouts many years ago. I will never forget riding horses with the scouts all day and then stopping off for ice cream in Hell, Michigan. I will sorely miss the sunshine that she brought to each day.
Zoe
August 26, 2019 at 6:15 amMom remembered that too Mr. Runyon and talked about it recently. We stopped at some bar? We had swamp water soda. Thank you.
Mary Long Antonelli
February 26, 2020 at 8:13 pmI was so sad to read of Nancy’s passing in my St. Catherine’s spring magazine. I went to high school with Nancy and then on to college with her at St. Kate’s. She was the best with the greatest sense of humor!
larry W knorr
April 7, 2021 at 7:37 amI grew up with Mike and knew mike and Nancy when they lived in Waconia. Nancy surly will be missed. May God help the family heal from their loss.