Nancy Ellen Degnitz (nee Rosenthal) , age 79 years, of Farmington was unexpectedly called home to be with the Lord on October 15, 2026, at the Froedtert Wauwatosa Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Nancy was born on October 26, 1946, in Sheboygan to Wesley and Lorraine Rosenthal (nee Becker). She was united in marriage to James “Jim” Degnitz on April 20, 1968, at Immanuel UCC in West Bend.

Nancy graduated from West Bend High School in 1964 and went on to serve on numerous Washington County, Wisconsin State, and National Farm Bureau board committees. Along with her husband, Jim, she welcomed many foreign exchange students from Switzerland, Poland, and Russia into their home, sharing her warmth and hospitality with others. Nancy worked as an optician for 25 years while also working side by side with Jim on the family farm. She had a love for sewing and quilting, creating beautiful runners and other handmade treasures for friends and family. Above all, Nancy had a caring heart and a genuine love for taking care of others, always finding joy in helping those around her.

Those Nancy leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband of 58 years, Jim; two children, Andrew (Linda) Degnitz and Jennifer (Richard) Feider; foreign children, Daniel (Shoma) Burkolter, Mariann (Peter) Bamert, Pawel Maciejuk, and Julia Melkova; five grandchildren, Ethan Degnitz, Logan Degnitz, Grady Degnitz, Ryan Blizzard, and Kyle Blizzard; great-granddaughter, Everlee Marie Degnitz; two sisters, Joyce Scadden and Elaine (Kenneth) Brockhaus; sister-in-law, Evelyn Wolff; and grandpuppy, Jack. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her daughter, Faith Degnitz; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Minnie Degnitz (nee Koenig); sister, Janice (Edward) Backhaus; brothers-in-law, Willis Scadden and Gerald Wolff.

VISITATION: Nancy’s family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. at Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service – 1315 W Washington St. – West Bend, WI 53095.

SERVICE: A Memorial Service in remembrance of Nancy will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Nancy’s name can be directed to Immanuel UCC in West Bend or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the Fillmore First Responders, Newburg Rescue, and the doctors, nurses, and staff at Froedert Hospitals in West Bend and Wauwatosa for their care and compassion.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Nancy’s arrangements. For additional information or to leave an online condolence on the tribute wall, please visit www.myrhum-patten.com.