Nancy C. Wertz
April 17, 1936 ~ January 5, 2025
Born in:
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Resided in:
Colorado City, Colorado
Nancy C. Wertz was born on April 17, 1936 in Oshkosh, WI to William H. Behnke and Helen L.(Sawicki) Behnke. She grew up on a farm, and used to milk cows before heading to school. Later in her school years they had moved into Oshkosh and she would stop to visit relatives after school. Nancy was proud to be one of the first college graduates in her family, graduating from University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1958 with a degree in Education, and a minor in Art. Though leaving her large family in Oshkosh was tough, Nancy ventured to Colorado after graduating college. She took her first teaching job in the Denver area where she taught several years as a Kindergarten teacher. Her roommate, Loretta Lucek, was with her when she met Thomas H. Wertz while skiing early in the year of 1961. Tom and Nancy were married on October 28, 1961 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Tom and Nancy started out together in Denver, CO, then moved to Green Bay, WI. After several years in Green Bay, they headed back to Colorado and settled in Fort Collins. From 1972 until 2002, Fort Collins was the family’s home. Though Nancy enjoyed teaching, she took a break to be a great mom. All three children, Marguerite, Thomas II, and Adrienne, grew up in Fort Collins. She made sure she was always there for her family: playing tennis, riding bikes, skiing, picnicking and camping. She attended school and 4-H events. She was the cake decorating leader, piano teacher, and passed on her love of reading. Nancy always made birthdays a very special day. One of her greatest gifts she instilled was her devotion to the Catholic faith.
While being at home she helped several businesses with their bookkeeping before returning to teaching at the Catholic school for St. Joseph’s parish in Fort Collins. Branching out, Nancy then went to work for the City of Fort Collins. She worked in several departments before transferring into the public library. During this time she completed her master’s degree at the University of Northern Colorado in Information and Library Sciences, graduating in 1992. She then returned to the school system as a librarian. She worked at Rocky Mountain High School in Ft. Collins, Brush, and Ft. Lupton. Nancy always enjoyed helping kids grow, and continued to teach religious education after retirement. She was a substitute teacher in Hugo, CO as well as in Colorado City, CO, and always said it was a great way to get to know the community better.
Once retired, Tom and Nancy moved to Hugo, CO for a couple years before settling in Colorado City, CO in 2004. Tom and Nancy enjoyed playing bridge and golfing together and were welcomed into many groups. They studied various styles of bridge games, took lessons, and even taught a few lessons. They enjoyed trying new and different things together, like taking trips throughout the United States and canoeing. Nancy also enjoyed playing Mahjong, going to painting classes, knitting club, and volunteered to head the Liturgy committee at St. Aloysius church for several years.
She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Helen Behnke, and her son, Thomas H. Wertz II. She is survived by her husband, Thomas H. Wertz, two daughters Marguerite (Gary) Yowell, Adrienne Bidula, grandchildren Katelyn (Nathan) Wiegert, Grant Yowell, Rachel Bidula, Dalton Bidula, and two great grandchildren Taylie and Blaine Wiegert.
Floral arrangements may be made through the following:
Mountain Blooms by Laney, 2109 Main St., Rye, CO 81069 (719) 334-5127
Email: mountainbloomsbylaney@ gmail.com
OR memorials may be made to St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 8006 Hwy. 165, Rye, CO 81069
Memorial Mass, 12 noon, on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 8006 Hwy. 165, Rye, CO.
Nancy was a sweetheart , and a mean bridge player. We always enjoyed playing with her and Tom. Our bridge study group were able to enjoy many lunches and session with those two.
Best regards to Tom and family.
Ed and Kathy Hill