Nancy Bugni

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Nancy Louise Bugni, beloved nurse, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and cherished friend to many, passed away at 87.

She was born on April 13, 1938, in Ontonagon, to Alec and Hilma (Honkala) Helander. Her family moved to Ironwood in 1951, and she graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1956. She went on to earn her nursing degree from Northern Michigan University in Marquette — a calling she would answer faithfully for the rest of her career.

Nancy began her nursing career at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain. She worked in Dr. Schmutzler’s office and later served as head nurse and office manager for Dr. Susott, among the many highlights of her long and dedicated service to patients and the community.

On June 10, 1961, Nancy married Donold Bugni in a joyful double wedding ceremony shared with her sister Lois and Floyd Fruik. Together, Nancy and Don made their home on Lake Antoine Island in Iron Mountain, where they raised their three children and welcomed generations of family and friends through their doors. They lived on the island until 2004, then on the east side until 2019, when they relocated to Green Bay, Wis., to be near family. Don passed away on Feb. 25, 2021, after 59 years of marriage.

Her three children survive her: Renee (Jim) Smith of Green Bay, Randy (Gia) Bugni of Visalia, Calif., and and Rhonda (Ed) Bednar of Denver; seven grandchildren and one who preceded her in death; four great-grandchildren; her sister, Lois (Floyd) Fruik of Ironwood; and her brothers, Jerry (Marge) Helander of Stillwater, Minn., and Dennis (Diane) Helander of White Bear Lake, Minn.

Nancy had a gift for friendship, and those who knew her gravitated into a warm orbit of shared adventures and simple pleasures. She was an avid berry picker, long-distance biker, cross-country skier, kayaker, swimmer, gardener and baker. She treasured swimming and saunas at the YMCA, her Scrabble games, feeding the birds and woodland critters outside her window, and her faithful involvement in her church community. Her church played a big part in her life, serving her Lord in AWANA, Children’s Evangelism Fellowship, and Right to Life events.

In her final years, Nancy was lovingly cared for at The Courtyard in Green Bay, where the staff became a true blessing to her and her family.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, June 13, at 10:30 a.m. at Community Bible Chapel, W6507 U.S. 2, Norway.

A luncheon will follow at the Alpine Room at Pine Mountain in Iron Mountain. All friends are warmly invited to join. Please RSVP to RSVPforNancyB@gmail.com.