Nancy A. Denetz

Nancy Denetz, 87, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026. She was born in Milwaukee on July 21, 1939.

Nancy was a woman whose presence was impossible to miss. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a kind heart, and a love for the people around her that was unmistakable. Her laugh was contagious, her smile could light up a room, and if Nancy was there, you knew it. She brought warmth, laughter, and a special kind of joy wherever she went.

Nancy worked for many years as a nurse’s aide, caring for others with the kindness and compassion that came so naturally to her. She spent much of her life taking care of others and found great meaning in being there for the people who needed her.

After retirement, Nancy enjoyed the simple pleasures that made life special to her: playing bingo, a good game of Scrabble, working on puzzles, shopping, and, of course, never missing a Packers or Brewers game. She loved the comfort of home and the peaceful life she had built. Most of all, she cherished the time she had with her family and took tremendous pride in watching them grow.

Nancy was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eleanor Becker and William Heidemann; her stepfather, Harold Becker; her stepmother, Lee Heidemann; her husband, Donald Denetz; her brother, Ronald Heidemann; and her children, Joseph and Kelly Vaughn, whom she lost during infancy.

She is survived by her children, Oran Vaughn and his wife, Annette Vaughn; daughter Vicki Raymond and her partner, Mike; son Patrick Vaughn and his wife, Lisa Vaughn; and her stepdaughter, Jennifer Denetz. She is also survived by her nephew Paul Heidemann; and niece Carrie Demkowicz.

Nancy leaves behind seven grandchildren: Christopher Vaughn; Alicia Vaughn; Amanda Vaughn Vargas and her husband, Gregory; Chloe Vaughn and her partner, Nathan; Hailey Vaughn; Dylan Vaughn; Megan Vaughn and her partner, Juan.

Nancy was also blessed with 11 great-grandchildren, with a 12th expected to arrive any day. Her great-grandchildren brought her an immeasurable amount of joy and pride. She loved hearing about their lives, seeing them grow, and knowing that the family she loved so deeply would continue to grow for generations to come.

Nancy loved life. She loved to laugh, she loved her family, and she especially loved watching her family grow. Her family was her greatest joy, and the love she had for them was something they could always feel. She had a way of making people feel welcome, loved, and cared for simply by being herself.

Nancy’s laughter, her smile, her kindness, and the love she gave so freely will be deeply missed. There will be an empty place without her, but there will also be countless memories that bring smiles, laughter, and comfort to those who knew and loved her.

Though she is no longer with us, Nancy’s light will continue to shine through the family she loved so dearly and the many lives she touched. Her memory will live on in every laugh, every smile, every Packers and Brewers game, every family gathering, and every moment her family comes together.

Nancy’s life was a gift to those who knew her, and the love she gave will remain with her family always.

Her family will hold a private celebration of life in memory of Nancy at a later date.