Nancy M. Everson

Nancy (Peil) Everson, age 75, of Sun Prairie, formerly of Menomonee Falls, WI passed away on Sunday, April 28 in Madison, Wisconsin. She was born on August 15, 1948 in Hartford, Wisconsin, the daughter of Margaret and Clifford Peil.

Nancy graduated from Menomonee Falls High School in 1966 and went on to study education at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where she also obtained her Master's Degree in Education.  Nancy lived most of her adult life in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, raising her two children there as well.  A dedicated teacher for 39 years in the Sun Prairie Area School District, Nancy started as a business education teacher in January of 1974. In addition to her educator role, she served as Senior Class Advisor, Yearbook Advisor, Department Coordinator, Teacher Mentor, and Event Supervisor, as well as serving on both the Curriculum and Building Leadership Councils, among many other committees. In 1994, she added duties as the Coordinator of the School-to-Work Programs for the district, which included the Youth Apprenticeship Program. In this role, she helped hundreds of students find work and apprenticeship opportunities throughout Dane County.  Even after she “retired” from teaching, Nancy continued in this role until January 2023.

For most people, this would be more than enough for a life’s work. But Nancy Everson was an extraordinary woman and it is impossible to include all she did here, nor would she want a long list stated. First and foremost, she fiercely loved her children and grandchildren. Of all her “kids,” this group always came first. But even they knew that her life force was tied to helping others become their very best selves. This passion revolved around a growing community in Wisconsin. 

Nancy lived and loved everything Sun Prairie, and her impact on the students, educators, and people of the Sun Prairie community is immeasurable. Always an energizer, Nancy was all about getting things done, and she valued giving to her community. She served as a long-time Ambassador for the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce, never missing serving corn at Corn Fest or working with the Parade. Nancy also served as the secretary and treasurer of the Sun Prairie Utilities Commission for many years. 

Nancy’s drive for helping her students find their work passions involved working with the Dane County School Consortium, where she helped guide and set the requirements of how the county's schools would work together to provide great learning opportunities without competing. She also helped build and support programs in Sun Prairie that would become models for other communities, programs such as the Fire Fighter Academy, a joint effort with the Sun Prairie Fire Department, Prairie Phoenix Academy, and Madison College, where students would earn college credit as well as earn the courses and hours of firefighting training that prepare them for state certification exams. Other programs such as the Certified Nursing Assistant (with Madison College) and the Assistant Childcare Teacher (with Teddy’s Place) were dear to her as they certified students in high demand areas, where they could gain employment.  

Known for her tireless energy, her ability to take charge, and her need to make things better, Nancy always looked for ways to support the Sun Prairie community. In 1989, Everson founded the Sun Prairie Business & Education Partnership (BEP), bringing educators and area businesses together to support and prepare students for their work futures. Within this program, she developed long-lasting programs such as Reality Rocks (2006) and First Grade Reading Buddies (2008) that are still impactful and beloved today. 

Nancy also helped found the Sun Prairie Education Foundation (SPEF) in 2005, serving as a trustee until her passing. She helped raise millions over the years for the organization, which funds grants twice a year for the Sun Prairie school system and community, focusing on inspiring and supporting educators to provide extraordinary learning opportunities for youth. As Nancy always said, “It’s all about the kids!”

Nancy made students feel heard, supported, prepared, and inspired to go out into the world, a world where she would all-so-often run into them again. Everywhere she would go, she would run into former students who would seek her out to update her on their lives. She avidly listened and then shared their stories to instruct and guide her next group of students. Always the teacher! 

Nancy loved the sunshine, laundry that hung on the line and smelled of the fresh air, and her Wisconsin Badgers. But there is nothing she loved more than her family. 

Nancy is preceded in death in by her parents, Margaret and Clifford, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and especially her Aunt Evelyn, with whom she shared a very special bond. She is survived by her son Scott (Kiran) and their daughters Eleanor and Amaani and her daughter Nikki Conroy (Duffy) and their children Callum, Macklin, Keeva, Bradoch, and Banion. She is also survived by her sister Mary (Tim) and their children Neil and Christine in addition to countless beloved family members all across the United States.

Visitation will be from 4-7:00 PM on Friday, May 3, 2024 at Cress Funeral Home, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 2420 St, Albert the Great Drive.  There will be no visitation prior to Mass beginning.  Following the Mass, please join the family from 1-4:00 PM at the Prairie Athletic Club, 1010 North Bird Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 for a celebration of Nancy's life. 

In Lieu of Flowers, prior to her passing, Nancy requested that donations be made to the Sun Prairie Education Foundation so that the legacy that she built can continue to thrive for generations to come. It was truly all about the kids for her each and every day that she spent in this loving community that she called home. 

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/nancyeversonlegacyfund