Nancy Lola Damrow-Sanders

Nancy Lola Damrow-Sanders (nee Hurtienne), passed away peacefully on June 10, 2024, at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, surrounded by her loving husband and children. She was born in Sheboygan on July 5, 1935, daughter of the late Carl and Doris (Bickel) Hurtienne. Nancy attended Southside Junior High K-9 and graduated from Central High School in 1953. Nancy married Charles “Chuck” Damrow in December, 1953 and together they raised two children, Deborah and Michael. In 2006 she met the love of her life, Forrest Sanders and they eloped to Santa Fe, New Mexico and married on October 12, 2006.

Nancy was employed as a secretary and administrative assistant in many fields throughout her lifetime including the Kohler Co., Square D. Electrical, radio station KAMQ in Amarillo, TX, attorney J.M. Fly in Victoria, TX, Law firm of Gibbons, Kinney, and Tipton of Phoenix, AZ, William R. Staats Investment Co., in Phoenix, AZ, Law firm of Holden, Halverson and Bjork in Sheboygan, William Weeks Architect in Sheboygan and retired from Linde, Jensen, Marcheske Architects in Sheboygan.

In 1986 Nancy’s passion for the English language and education led her to be trained and certified in the Orton-Gillingham multisensory method of teaching language skills to those with dyslexia and other learning differences. Nancy individually tutored over 125 people ranging from 7 to 65 years of age, many of whom remained in her life until her passing. She was a guest speaker at numerous organizations about dyslexia and learning differences and was a featured speaker on this topic on the local radio station WHBL. She eventually wrote and published a book entitled “Happy Daze - a Helpful Guide to Spelling Confusing Words” in 2000. Her book was sold in local bookstores. She also taught numerous workshops to the parents and loved ones of her students, giving an overview of the O-G method.

In 1998, Nancy became a volunteer Foster Grandparent at Grant Elementary School and found joy assisting teachers in their classrooms and becoming a beloved person in many children’s lives. She had a special place in her heart for children of refugee families who came to Sheboygan with very little or no English skills and children with special needs, whom she took under her caring wings and encouraged their development and self-esteem. In 2002, she was featured in a promotional video for United Way at Grant School. She retired from the program in 2006 after she married Forrest.

Nancy was a leader and role model in her community of Sheboygan, including secretary for many social and charitable organizations including Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Literacy council of Sheboygan County. She was a girl’s scouting leader and led bible study groups for the Salvation Army as well as a member of their Corps Council for many years. Nancy loved and wrote poetry and enjoyed music and dance and shared these loves with everyone who knew her. She and Forrest enjoyed listening to each other’s favorite music every day.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Forrest Sanders; a daughter, Deborah Hanni Damrow; a son Michael (Kimberly) Damrow of Sheboygan; a brother Chuck Hurtienne of Wausau, former spouse Chuck Damrow and two grand-dogs Bella and Fuzzy.

A Memorial Service will be held at 5:00 PM at Zimmer Westview Funeral & Cremation Care Center, W2132 Garton Rd in Howards Grove, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, with Pastor Jeff Jaeger officiating. Family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 from 3:00 PM until the time of the service. There will be a meal and refreshments and time of celebrating Nancy’s life immediately following the service, for those who wish to partake.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Nancy’s name.