Nancy Phernetton 08/15/2018

Nancy Claire Phernetton, aged 72, passed away on August 15, 2018 in Baldwin, WI. Dave, her husband of nearly fifty years, was by her side. She spent her final days surrounded by family and dear friends.

Nancy was born on August 7, 1946 to Levern and Ardith (Smith) Christenson. She attended the country school, Clay Corners for first through fifth grade, River Falls for sixth grade, and went on to attend junior high and high school in Ellsworth, WI. She earned a Speech and Language degree from UW-River Falls (1969). Nancy and Dave were married during a blizzard on December 28, 1968.

Nancy spent thirty-two years teaching speech and language, early childhood and special education in the Appleton Area School District. Her passion for her job was clear, and she was a proud recipient of the AASD’s Mielke Educator of the Year award in 1997. After retiring from teaching, her passion carried over into the work she did as Lay-Ministry Coordinator at St. James United Methodist Church in Appleton and later as a Ministry Team Coordinator at the River Falls United Methodist Church. Both churches provided Nancy with an outlet for her creativity, her compassion, and her leadership.

Nancy was a vibrant woman who loved joking, sharing stories, and playing games with her friends and family. She also loved trying out new recipes (no one ever left her table hungry), and there was never a shortage of home-made baked goods at her house. She was a devoted wife, an amazing mother to her three children, and an energetic and loving grandmother to her four grandchildren.

Her parents preceded her in death. She is survived by and will be profoundly missed by her husband Dave; her children, James Phernetton (Kyrsten Thompson), Michael Phernetton (Phyllis Jaworski), and Kate (Casey) Maude; her grandchildren, Augie Maude, David Phernetton, Hattie Maude, and Walter Phernetton; and her brothers, Dennis Christenson (Linda Shannon) and James Christenson (Sue Christenson).

A visitation was held at the River Falls United Methodist Church (127 S 2nd St.) in River Falls, WI on Friday, August 24th from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm as well as on Saturday, August 25th from 9:30 am until 11:00 am with the memorial service following immediately after.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations honoring Nancy be made to the River Falls United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls.