Nancy J. Hemauer

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Though Nancy never walked, she left footprints on the hearts of all who knew her.

Nancy Jean Hemauer, 73, peacefully passed away on August 10, 2026surrounded by her loving siblings in Stevens Point WI. She was born the fifth of nine children to Leo and Eileen (Hall) Hemauer on September 28, 1952 in Appleton WI. 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 WI, 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 WI and therapies at CP in Green Bay WI.

Nancy’s Dad passed away when she was fourteen and her journey toward independence was furthered when at thirty-five her Mom also passed prompting a move to Green Bay in 1988. There she met herlong-time friend and fellow resident Dave, and special caregiver Alicewho became her one-on-one caregiver for twenty-two 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.

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She was remembered for her smile and laughter, engaging personality, enthusiastic greetings, love for babies, sense of humor, and empathetic heart.

‘Have van (and Alice) will travel’ . . . Nancy enjoyed special seating at more than a few Packer 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 WI 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, Larry (Dianne) Hemauer; sisters-in-law Marlene (Leitner) Thornber and Yvonne (Libke) Hemauer; special friend DavidMeyer; dozens of cousins; numerous nieces and nephews.

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

Visitation for family and friends is Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Pisarski Funeral Home, 2911 Plover Rd, Plover WI from 11:00am to 12:30pm concluding with a brief memorial service at 12:30pm. All are invited to an After Glow Luncheon immediately following at the Sky Club, 2202 Post Rd, Plover WI. Private burial is at St Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Stockbridge WI. Memorials in Nancy’s name will be designated for CP and Cycling without Age of Portage County. For online condolences visit www.pisarskifuneral home.com

“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.”