Nancy Sprecher

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Nancy Joan (Nancy would want you to know it’s pronounced “Joe Ann”) Sprecher, 64, of Minneapolis Minnesota passed away at home on February 2, 2021.  She was born on tax day, April 15, 1956, Baraboo Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Leslie and Lilah (Homuth) Sprecher.

Nancy (a.k.a. “Nert”, a nickname her older brother lovingly bestowed on her when she was four and it stuck) grew up in a small town surrounded by family and extended family. As an adult, she lived in bigger cities but never forgot her roots. She remained forever close to her hometown friends, aunts, uncles and cousins. Although Nancy never had children of her own, she was especially close to her Madison family—a brother; sister-in-law; two nieces; and 3 grand nieces and nephews. She made time to be an integral part of family get togethers including being an adopted sibling of her sister-in-law Sue's big family gatherings. All looked forward to Nancy's visits, birthday cards, Christmas gifts and other remembrances. She even studied up on Paw Patrol and Daniel Tiger so she would be able to share episodes with the “grands” and be a "cool aunt."

Nancy lived to travel and, thankfully, did so frequently. She had visited every state in the U.S. but Utah. That last state was planned for a visit this summer with good friends. She had been to every continent except Antarctica. She has friends all over the country, many of whom were travel companions. Her closest friends have described her as being a compassionate listener and always available when called on to be a support when most needed. She was a true friend in good times and in bad.

Nancy loved food and anything with agriculture in its name.  She received her BA from UW-Madison in Agricultural Journalism. She was one of the few "city kids” (Prairie du Sac being the “city”) in 4-H and chose a career focused on food and agriculture.  She started her career with DeKalb AgResearch as a market analyst; Then joined Gene Kroupa Associates as a market research senior analyst, which lead her to take a position with the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, first as EVP and rising to Chief Operating Officer. Nancy’s co-workers have described her as resilient, resourceful, smart and dedicated to helping farmers throughout her career. Toward the end of her long career she moved to Minneapolis and became a director of Women’s Food Service Forum. She was successful in a male-dominated industry and paved the way for other women to move ahead as well. In the last few years, she decided to slow down a bit.  She became a market research consultant who took the time to smell the flowers along the way--most of which were in her beloved garden. This also allowed for time to peruse her many cookbooks (marked with numerous sticky notes), create new delectable recipes of her own and sample countless restaurants and food trucks!

She was also community minded and cherished her role as a very dedicated poll overseer to assure fair and well run elections.  This past November, she worked for at least 3 weeks, sometimes 12 hour days, making sure that her voting station was fair, well-run and timely.  We can't thank her enough for that dedication to democracy.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention her lifelong love of music. She was a remarkable pianist and often played publicly, most recently playing keyboard in Crosstown Community Band in Minneapolis. Her bandleader, Gideon, said “she showed heart in every rehearsal and her love of music and community in every interaction I had with her.”

Survivors include:  brother Lon (Sue) Sprecher of Middleton Wi; Two nieces Megan Sprecher (Jori Maron) of Madison Wi; their son and daughter, Theo Maron and Samara Maron; and Claire (Dan) Lager of Kaneohe HI and their son Leif Lager. Nancy was married to Steve Yaun (Madison WI) divorced, but close friends. Nancy is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Nancy would also want us to include Ms Grapefruit Tree, her plant companion from 4th grade (a seed) to now, a 9’ tree.

We wish to sincerely thank Nancy's friends Janet Greenlees and Charles Yancey; Karen Roesler, Becky Basford and Jenifer and Michael Raymond-Judy for their friendship over the years and especially for their help since Nancy's passing.

We are planning a memorial for later this coming summer, hopefully face-to-face, but if this isn’t possible due to continuing Covid risks we will do a virtual event/celebration of her life.

Memorials can be made to Girls.Inc, Inspiring all girls to be strong, bold and smart (girlsinc.org); UW Foundation, Study Abroad Alumni and Friends Fund (secure.supportuw.org).