On Saturday, January 8, 2005, at 11:30 p.m., our Lord called the earth angel, Nancy Lee McKinley, to heaven. Nancy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on December 20, 2004, and although she courageously and diligently accepted the challenge of battling cancer, God called her home. Nancy was resting peacefully and with loved ones in her home when she passed away.Nancy was born to Ben and Grace Mrnak on April 29, 1952. in Glenwood, Minnesota. She enjoyed growing up on the family farm where she developed an appreciation for being outdoors with nature. Nancy graduated from Glenwood High School as its valedictorian in 1970. During her high school years, Nancy played trombone and was coeditor of her yearbook. She maintained friendships from high school throughout her entire life.Nancy was an accomplished speech-language pathologist. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Moorhead State College in 1973 and her Master of Science in Communication Disorders in 1974 from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. In 1994, she received the President's Award for Outstanding University Alumni from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. She held the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) since 1975 and was a Board Recognized Specialist in Child Language. Nancy is a past president of the Wisconsin Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Association (WSHA) and of the Council of State Speech-Language-Hearing Association Presidents. In 1990, Nancy received the Honors from WSHA, its highest form of recognition. She was one of the founding board members of the WSHA Foundation and served as its Vice President and Treasurer. In 2002, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recognized Nancy's contributions to the profession by naming her an ASHA Fellow. Nancy was an internationally recognized expert on adolescent language disorders; she presented workshops on this topic, and coauthored numerous journal articles and books on this topic and others. In 2003, Nancy was inducted into the College of Professional Studies Hall of Honor at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. \r\nThe first years of her career as a speech-language pathologist were filled with work with infants and toddlers with communication disorders. During this time Nancy worked for the Development and Training Center in Eau Claire ('74 - '75), Eau Claire Public Schools ('74 - '78), and CESA 1 in Ashland ('75 - '80). Early in her career, Nancy's management skills and poise with bringing professionals together opened the door for her to educate and consult others regarding children with speech and language disorders. In addition, Nancy acquired an intense interest in adolescent language development. At that time Nancy joined the faculty at UWEC and continued to consult with state education agencies and school districts. For over 10 years, Nancy was greatly loved and admired by her hundreds of students at UWEC. During her time at the university up to the present, she was respected and appreciated by her professional colleagues. \r\nIn 1983, Nancy founded Thinking Publications as its owner and CEO taking it from one book to a multi-million dollar company. In her capacity as owner and CEO of Thinking Publications and as an adjunct instructor at the UWEC, Nancy created, supported, and actively mentored women to take on and be successful in leadership roles. She was an active member of the National Speakers Association ('89 - '98) and, along with her husband Mike, contributed significantly to projects, advancements, and events of the association. Nancy was on the Women's Financial Council of Charter Bank ('95 - '00) where her positive attitude and smart ideas made her a valuable member. Nancy and Mike were enthusiastic supporters of the Eau Claire United Way and each year hosted an appreciation event at their gardens. In addition, Nancy proudly served on the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors ('00 - '03). In 1994, she was recognized for outstanding business leadership by receiving the Small Business Person of the Year award from the Chamber. She served as the Project Investigator for a Phase I and II grant through the National Institute of Health that brought over one million dollars to Thinking Publications and the Eau Claire economy. Nancy served as a role model and mentor in numerous facets of the business world. Whether offering ideas and advice during a large meeting of a board of directors or sharing encouragement through an email to a business associate, Nancy was a reliable, action-focused, and compassionate businesswoman. \r\nNancy and Mike established GEM Pick-Your-Own Gardens in 1999. Their passion for gardening, landscaping, and event hosting provided the perfect opportunity for them to bridge their personal interests and professional lives. Nancy's love for flowers and gardening brought her great solace and joy, which she readily shared with all who frequented the gardens. Nancy's primary goal for the gardens was to share their beauty and bounty with others. \r\nNot only did Nancy excel professionally, she was an awesome wife, stepmother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. Nancy and Mike became best friends, husband and wife, and then business partners in the 1980s. They created a life together that was filled with countless adventures. Nancy entered Mike's life and became an instant stepmother to his three children-Kevin, Mary, and Christopher McKinley. She filled those shoes perfectly and found wonder and fun in the lives of three teens, and she felt pride and tremendous happiness for them as they entered adulthood and started families of their own. Nancy was immensely proud of her grandchildren-Ellie, Duncan, and Chloe. She established "Gramma Time" in her weekly schedule to play with her grandkids and watch them grow. Nancy was a doting daughter, sister, and aunt. She had great enthusiasm for planning family reunions and other events. Nancy used her professional talents and love for her family to create festivities-whether a quiet family meal or a full-scale wedding-that were full of class, love, and memories to last a lifetime. Nancy was a best friend to many and offered unconditional love and friendship that made her irresistible to all. Whether it was a connection from National Speakers Association (NSA), ASHA, WSHA, UWEC, Thinking Publications, or through some other means, Nancy was on many people's Christmas card list-an honor she cherished and reciprocated.\r\nSurvivors include husband, Michael McKinley; father, Ben (Lorraine, stepmother) Mrnak of Alexandria, MN; sister, Dorothy (Harlan) Munsen of Mankato, MN; brothers, Roger (Diane) Mrnak of Glenwood, MN and Jerry (Linda) Mrnak of Delano, MN; stepchildren, Kevin (Rachel) McKinley of Eau Claire, Christopher McKinley of Washington, DC, and Mary (Larry Young) McKinley of New York City; 3 step grandchildren; 9 nieces and nephews; and 6 great nieces and nephews. Nancy was preceded in death by her mother Grace (Reichmann) Mrnak in 1973.\r\nFuneral services celebrating Nancy's life will be held at 2:30 pm on Saturday, January 15, 2005, at the Ecumenical and Religious Center (ERC) at UW-Eau Claire with Reverend Donald Wisner officiating. Immediately following the funeral, a dinner reception will be held at the Davies Center. A private family burial will be on January 16 at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday and one hour prior to services Saturday at the ERC.\r\nNancy was a remarkable woman! She impacted thousands of lives in her lifetime. Her family, friends, and employees will dearly miss her. What an honor and privilege it has been to have her in our lives. She was our email queen, frequent flyer, mentor, and is now our guardian angel.\r\nBecause of Nancy's love and passion for education and advancing the profession of speech-language pathology, the Nancy McKinley Scholarship has been established with the WSHA Foundation, Inc. to honor her life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to her scholarship may be sent to: Nancy McKinley WSHAF Scholarship Fund, PO Box 163, Eau Claire, WI, 54702-0163.\r\n \r\n

Service Information