In loving memory of

Nancy Kacmarynski
May 24, 1954 - July 27, 2017

Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 31, 2017 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg. Burial is in Ellington Township Cemetery, Mallard. The family will greet friends from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday at the Joyce Funeral Home in Emmetsburg. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Palo Alto County or the University of Iowa Gynecology and Oncology Departments.

Nancy Coleen Ralph was born May 24, 1954, the daughter of Leon and Caroline (Sandvig) Ralph at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Dodge, IA. She was the youngest of six daughter. Nancy graduated from Mallard High School and Iowa Lakes Community College with a degree in nursing. She served as a first responder for over 20 years. Nancy worked as a nurse, bank teller, city clerk, librarian and convenience store clerk, but her most endearing role was a full time mother, grandmother and friend. Nancy enjoyed fishing, crafts and genealogy.

In 1972, Nancy was married to Michael Lee Bergstrom and two children were born to this union. After her divorce, she married James Edward Kacmarynski in 1983 and two children were born to this union. She lived in and around Mallard most of her life.

Nancy enjoyed fishing, making crafts and researching genealogy. She also liked caring for her garden, sewing, quilting, reading and gaming. After a four year and two month battle with evil cancer, Nancy passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, Nancy passed away at her home surrounded by her loved ones.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Jim of Mallard; four children: Martin Bergstrom (Carla) of Mallard, Jessica Wickman (Jeff) of Mallard, Kristen Roethler (Jason) of Algona and Stephanie Schultz of Mallard; mother-in-law: Anna Mae Kacmarynski; eight grandchildren: Tyler Coakley, Austin (Mac) Bergstrom, Colton (CoCo) Wickman, Madison (Sunshine) Wickman, Ava and Piper Roethler, Lyric (Baby Cakes) Schultz and Kyson (Baby Ky) Schultz; and four sisters: Mary Jane Lavender of Fort Dodge, Linda Couter (Bill) of Pomeroy, IA, Leone Hoffman (Mark) of Eldon, MO and Zoe Shimer of Frankfort, KY.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Carol Hood.

Tributes

Ginger Ernst wrote on Jul 30, 2017:

"I was so sorry to hear about Nancy. She was such a sweetheart and so strong in her fight with cancer! Her smile will be missed! Will keep you in my prayers!"

Ron and Richelle Larson wrote on Jul 30, 2017:

"Jim, Marty, Jess, Kristen, Stephanie and family--our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Nancy was a very determined woman! She will be missed! You have our sincere sympathy!"

Fred & Shirley Leuer wrote on Jul 30, 2017:

"Sending our sympathy and prayers to Jim and family. Wish we could be with you Monday. We have shared so many memories together in the past."

Trisha Travis wrote on Jul 29, 2017:

"You are all in my thoughts and prayers. "

Luan Montag wrote on Jul 29, 2017:

"My sincere sympathy to Nancy's family. She was one tough lady and a great person to all. ?"

Luan Montag wrote on Jul 29, 2017:

"My sincere sympathy to Nancy's family. She was one tough lady and a great person to all. ?"

Hope Paradise wrote on Jul 29, 2017:

"So sorry for your loss. Nothing can prepare you for the devasting feelings and the sense of loss you are feeling, but take courage. In addition to the family, friends, and your wonderful memories, you can trust in God to help you through the difficult times ahead of you. He invites you to, "throw all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." May the God of all comfort, comfort you so that you may be a comfort to others. (1 Peter 5:7;2 Corinthians 1:3, 4) "

Barb Taphorn wrote on Jul 29, 2017:

"Kristen...my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time! I am so sorry for your loss!"

Lisa Lomax wrote on Jul 28, 2017:

"Nancy will truly be missed by many! Prayers for all of the family"

Rhonda vandenhemel (Buhsmann) wrote on Jul 28, 2017:

"Jessica, Jeff,Jim,Marty, Stephanie, Kristin and families you are all in my thoughts and prayers"

Joanna Buhsmann\Knuths wrote on Jul 28, 2017:

"Jim Stephanie and boys and families So sorry for the loss of your wife mother and grandmother You all are in my thoughts and prayers"

Dar Elbert wrote on Jul 28, 2017:

"Kristen, Marty, and families - I am so sorry you are going through this! You're in my thoughts and prayers!"