grave import

Obituary

Nancy J. Krekel, December 23, 1934-December 6, 2011. Nancy J. Krekel lived on a farm near Lockridge, Iowa, during her early years and attended a one-room school. She moved to Burlington, Iowa, when she was eight years old and attended school there, graduating from Burlington High School. In her youth, Nancy was active in Luther League at Messiah Lutheran Church. She married Donald Krekel in 1956, and they had two boys, Randall and Michael. Nancy and Don divorced in 1977. Nancy worked for several years at Burlington Bank and Trust Company, and for many years in the Des Moines County Treasurer's Office, retiring in 2003. After retiring, she moved to Stanwood and volunteered at the Camano Island Country Club. Nancy enjoyed living in the Pacific Northwest, and she loved her view of the Olympic Mountains. She made several new friends in her new home, and kept in touch with her friends from Burlington. Nancy's health declined in her later years, but her positive attitude, ingenuity and determination were an inspiration to those around her. Nancy was an avid reder, and she loved to vacation in Washington State and along the Oregon Coast. She loved to be with her grandchildren and to attend their many activities. Nancy was also fond of her cats, which were usually brought home by her son Mike. Nancy is survived by her sons, Randall (Teresa) Krekel of Richland, Wash., and Michael (Deborah) Krekel of Sanford, Fla., sister Karen (Patrick) Metz of Camano Island, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Esther Peterson; brothers Clarence and Kenneth Peterson; and sister Marilyn Mathias. There is no service planned. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local public library. Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount. Vernon.