Nancy Gayle Wande
October 26, 1954 – May 21, 2024
Nancy Gayle Wandel (Heisler), age 69, of Iola, Wisconsin, was welcomed to her heavenly home on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. After enduring a long painful road, Nancy decided she was ready to be reunited with Ronnie; and was surrounded by her family when she made her journey.
Nancy was born in Los Angeles, California, on Oct. 26, 1954, the daughter of the late Gordon and Gail (Bartelt) Heisler.
She married Ronald Wandel on Nov. 18, 1972, in Elmbrook, Wisconsin, and happily experienced all life had to offer until his passing in October 2012.
Nancy started her employment with The Wisconsin Telephone company selling telephones in the local mall. She continued her employment with the phone company through all the many name changes until the time she retired 30 years later as a senior customer service representative.
Nancy had a heart of gold and made friends wherever she went. She actively volunteered in various organizations from United Way to her church’s Befrienders program. Being foster children themselves, Ron and Nancy opened their home and their hearts to dozens of foster children who needed a chance. Nancy enjoyed traveling, crafting, and spending time with her family & friends.
She is survived by a son Robert Wandel; daughter Sarah (Nathan) Holder; grandchildren Brittany, Jacob, and Ryan Wandel, and Anastacia and Andy Holder; great-grandchildren Sawyer and Wyatt Drapes, and Weston Killian-Wandel; and siblings Mary Bort and Bruce (Allison) Heisler. She is further survived by many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends, and her dialysis “family”.
She was preceded in death by her spouse of 40 years Ronald Wandel, her parents, and her siblings Jon Bartelt, Connie Lietner, Donald Heisler Sr., Patricia Bosshart, Pamela Schleisner, and Kevin Heisler Sr.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 25, from 10-noon with services beginning at noon at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, N10685 Petersen Road, Marion, Wisconsin. In an effort to offset Nancy’s medical and final expenses, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated (in care of Sarah Holder).
The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Bethany; the doctors, nurses, and hospice staff at ThedaCare; and the staff at Fresenius. A special thank you to Greg Davis, more than a driver, a friend.
“My mark on this Earth is my family. I am so proud!”