Obituary of Nancy L. Ockelmann

Nancy L. Ockelmann, age 89 ½ passed away June 30, 2022.  Nancy was determined to live to 92 and triumphed over several serious health issues over the last 5 years in order to reach her goal.  Unfortunately, lung cancer proved to be a formidable adversary leaving her just shy of her goal.

Nancy was born December 25, 1932 in Haverhill, Massachusetts to Herman and Mary Cate.  She graduated from the New England Deaconess School for Nursing in 1952 and then joined the Air Force serving as a surgical nurse.  Nancy served her country as a 1st lieutenant until she was honorably discharged. She continued to serve her county for many more years as the wife of an Air Force officer.  She married John E. Ockelmann on August 25, 1957.

As a military family, Nancy and John lived in Montana, Texas, California, New Mexico, Washington and ultimately settled in Eugene, Oregon in 1973 with their 4 children (John, Ella, Mary and Mark).

Nancy would describe herself as a housewife and mother but that was not all she was.  She was a devoted community volunteer. After her children were grown and her husband had passed away, she spent her time in charitable endeavors and worked through several organizations to provide school supplies and Christmas presents for children.  She was also a member of the Eugene Moose and Elks lodges and was very involved with the United Commercial Travel of Eugene serving in several leadership positions. She had many hobbies and activities she loved including gardening, knitting, scouring garage sales to add to her collections, cooking, traveling and most importantly playing Bingo.  She definitely was a Bingo enthusiast.   

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, John.  She is survived by her children: John Ockelmann, Eugene, Ella Solway, Keizer, Mary Paulson (Karl), Bend, and Mark (Sue), Springfield, and her grandson (her pride and joy) Christopher Ockelmann, Springfield.  

The family extends a heartfelt thanks the staff at the Pete Moore Hospice House for their kind and compassionate care of Nancy. In addition, the family is also grateful to Musgrove Family Mortuary for their services.

A private service will be held graveside at Willamette National Cemetery where Nancy will receive military honors and be laid to rest beside her husband.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in Nancy’s name be sent to Special Olympics, Oregon.