Nancy Anne (Sannes) Johnson was welcomed home by God on March 23, 2026, at Sanford Health – Marshfield Clinic Medical Center surrounded by her loved ones. 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 11:00am at First Presbyterian Church, 200 S. Lincoln Avenue, Marshfield with Pastor Heather Brown officiating. Visitation for family and friends will begin one hour before the service. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Nancy was born November 22, 1930, to Knute and Emily (Phillip) Sannes of Scandinavia, Wisconsin. She graduated from Scandinavia Union High School in 1948.

Nancy received her Bachelor of Science degree from Stevens Point WI State College in 1954 with certifications in History, Biology and Social Science at the high school level. She expanded her certification to teach Library Methods in 1958. She later went on to obtain her Master of Science Degree at UW-Madison as a Library/Media Specialist. This is also when she met both the love of her life and developed her love for the Wisconsin Badgers. To say she was an avid Badger Fan in all sports, especially football and basketball, is an understatement. She and Irv were long-time supporters and season ticket holders. They could always provide both historic and current statistics. If the Badgers were playing, Nancy was either in attendance or watching and cheering Bucky to victory!

After graduating from college, she taught at Auburndale and Loyal High Schools and was librarian for the St. Joseph’s Hospital Medical Library. She left Loyal for a position at Marshfield High School in Library Media Science. Her career spanned 35 years, retiring in 1993.

Nancy married the love of her life, Irwin Johnson, on July 31, 1957, at the Chapel in the Sky in Chicago, IL. They had one son, Dolf Johnson, of Marshfield. Together they enjoyed many skiing trips to the Upper Peninsula and the slopes of Colorado. He and Nancy also traveled to Hawaii, numerous European Countries and even to Russia during the Cold War. Their zest for learning and experiencing different cultures was a central tenet in their lives.

Serving and supporting her community was important to Nancy. She volunteered and supported numerous organizations to improve the quality of life in Marshfield and abroad. She was a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Altrusa, and PEO-Chapter CY.

Nancy and Irv were also active YMCA members and donors. They chaired the 2016 YMCA Annual Campaign. Even in her later years, Nancy loved going to the YMCA where she participated in numerous classes. She enjoyed biking, skiing, hiking, kayaking and running. There was not any activity she was not willing to try. She believed strongly in staying active and enjoying each day.

Nancy was an avid reader, often reading entire novels in one or two days. Her book club held in depth study of the chosen literary piece. Even in her last months, she was reading several books a week and participating in all activities and discussions available. Her thirst for learning was never quenched. She savored eating at the Kitchen Table and gathering with friends in any location. The laughter was loud and the conversation vibrant when she was part of the group.

Nancy is survived by her beloved son, Dolf and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Irv; parents, Knute and Emily Sannes; and her five brothers and their wives (Kenneth (Alice Jane), Gayhart (Henrietta), Truman (Joyce), Gordon (Joanne) and Norman (Alta) Sannes).

Nancy will be remembered for her strong faith, love of life, diverse knowledge, passion for education and learning, her wit and her warm hearty laugh that brought joy to so many. She will be deeply missed.

The family would like to thank the Heart Failure Clinic and Palliative Care at Marshfield Medical Center for their kindness and care. Memorials will be designated at a future date.