Nancy Joyce Bedessem

Nancy Bedessem (Chapiewsky), age 89, passed away peacefully at Aspirus Palliative Care on Saturday, April 4th. She left behind a legacy of love, music, and devotion to family.

Nancy was born in 1936 in Bangor, Wisconsin. She attended Lutheran Middle School and graduated from Bangor High School in 1955. One highlight Nancy remembered fondly was winning a singing duet competition with her best friend, Nancy Rea, which led to competing at the state level. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Wausau, Wisconsin, where she began the life she would build with her beloved husband, Jim Bedessem. This St. Patrick's Day in 2026, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Together, they shared a loving marriage and raised four children.

Nancy was a devoted mother to Scott Bedessem (deceased), Robyn Bedessem (Tom), Julie (Chris) Zelich, and Brad (Kathy) Bedessem. Her family was the center of her life, and she found her greatest joy in time spent with her grandchildren, Meghan, Paige, Ethan, and Ava, and her cherished great-grandchildren, Ellie and Gianna.

Music was woven deeply into Nancy's life. A gifted and passionate musician, she played the piano, accordion, clarinet, and guitar, and loved to sing. Her home was often filled with music, reflecting both her talent and her joyful spirit.

Several interests enriched Nancy's days. She was an active and faithful member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Wausau, where she found spiritual fulfillment. She was also known for her meticulous housekeeping, which was a point of pride for her. Lastly, she was a dedicated hockey mom and an enthusiastic fan of the Minnesota Wild and the Wisconsin Badgers, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer on her teams.

For more than 40 years, Nancy and Jim treasured summers camping on Lake Nokomis with close friends. Those years were filled with laughter, friendship, and memories that became some of the most cherished moments of her life.

Nancy will be remembered for her loving heart, her musical gifts, her devotion to family, and the warmth she brought to those around her. She leaves behind a family who will forever hold her memory close and honor her life through the love she so generously shared.

Our family would like to thank Aspirus Hospital and the compassionate nurses and doctors of Aspirus Palliative Care for the comfort and dignity they provided Nancy in her final days.