Nancy Schaaf, 81, passed away peacefully in her home in Eau Claire on March 29th surrounded by family. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in her early 50's, Nancy showed years of incredible strength while enduring with the challenges of this disease without complaint.

Nancy was born on September 4th, 1943, in Black River Falls, Wisconsin to Norman and Beatrice Larkin. She married John Schaaf on June 12, 1965, in Black River Falls. They created their life together in Eau Claire raising two children. They were married for almost 60 years. Nancy was an Eau Claire State College alumnus and teacher at Longfellow School/substitute teacher in Eau Claire elementary schools. Volunteered with the Eau Claire Service League. She loved the YMCA and Camp Manitou. Activities like racquetball, running, etc. were enjoyable for her. Nancy and John liked their time traveling to Norway and especially to Florida, enjoying the sunshine with friends.

Nancy's hobbies included birdwatching, cross-stitching and a passion for cheering everything sports. Local teams, UWEC Blugolds, Badgers, Brewers, and Packers.

She had many wonderful lifelong friends, who rallied around her and John in a variety of ways. Friends who brought meals, sat bedside and shared many stories with her, brought flowers, and many telephone calls thru the years. She and family are grateful to those who also supported her and the MS cause. Funds were generated for the Multiple Sclerosis Society for over 23 years.

Survived by husband John Schaaf, daughter Sara (Mark) of Oconomowoc, grandchildren Samantha and Isaac Jappinen, sister Janet Harvey of Menomonie, brother John (Sarah) Larkin of Black River Falls, nephews Joe and Daniel Larkin of Black River Falls, niece Hannah (Andy) Roesle of Birnamwood and friend Mike Waldstein of Minneapolis MN.

Proceeded in death by her son Mark Schaaf, parents Norman and Beatrice Larkin, sister Gail her husband Steve Winter, and sister-in-Law Georgiann (Cookie) and her husband Kirk Clark.

The family wants to express their gratitude to Nancy's caregiver team Appeal to Heaven, Chris, and her staff, Mayo Hospice team: Lisa, Kassie, Katelyn, Roxie, Tina, Christy, Chaplain Jed, and many others who gave wonderful comfort to her.

Service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church on Friday April 11th. Visitation will be from 10-11. Service will begin at 11 with a lunch to follow afterwards. Nancy's family is requesting you wear one of your favorite Wisconsin sports attire to her service to continue cheering on Nancy's favorites sports teams.

Memorials preferred to the YMCA Camp Manitou or Grace Lutheran Church.

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home in Eau Claire, WI is assisting the family.