Nancy Steffens

Nancy M. Steffens, 90, died on April 9, 2013 at Four Winds Manor, Verona, Wisconsin after a long illness. She is survived by three daughters and one son, Laura and husband David Uphoff of Madison, Wisconsin, Liz Norton of Madison, Wisconsin, Nann Steffens and partner Betsy Trowbridge of Madison, Wisconsin and Peter Steffens of Dallas, Texas; five grandchildren, Jared (Marie) Uphoff of Waunakee, Wisconsin, Benjamin (Elise) Uphoff of White Rock, New Mexico, Rebecca (Randy) Boelk of West St. Paul, Minnesota, Laura Tait (Benson) Chang of Reston, Virginia, Katherine Norton of New York, New York; seven great grandchildren, Emerson, Hugh, Anna, Nathaniel, Leah, Calvin, Oliver and many beloved nieces and nephews. Nancy grew up in Mankato, Minnesota and spent many happy summers on Lake Washington at her family's lake house. She completed a two-year program at Stephens College and then she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music where she graduated with a degree in Piano Performance. Piano Professor Gunnar Johansen introduced Nancy to graduate student Leo Steffens and they were married in 1945. Nancy and Leo first lived in Springfield, Missouri where Leo was a professor of piano and they had an opportunity to perform piano works together. They returned to University of Wisconsin-Madison where Leo was hired as a piano professor in the music department and Nancy raised their family and taught piano lessons at home for many years. Music was the first language for all of Nancy's children, who also became accomplished musicians. During the years in Madison, Wisconsin, Nancy and Leo held many soirees at their Summit Avenue home performing piano music and chamber works with their children, friends, and students. They also held spectacular dinners for visiting performers, faculty, friends and family. Nancy was well known for her culinary delights. Nancy loved going back to Lake Washington in the summers with Leo and her family, swimming at Willows Beach and Shorewood Pool, any type of terrier, birds, rocks, shells, lunar space program, car trips out West, the 320 Guest Ranch and spirited card playing with friends and family. We will all miss Granny. We would like to thank Four Winds Manor and Agrace Hospice for their wonderful care. There will be no services. Instead, we will have a celebration of Nancy's life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: University of Wisconsin Foundation-Leo Steffens Memorial Fund, US Bank Lockbox P.O. Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807.