Nancy Christman Blakesley

Nancy Christman Blakesley, 86, passed away peacefully at Unity Hospice, May 15th, 2019, surrounded by family. She was born October 5, 1932 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the youngest child of Peter J. and Mabel (Zeugner) Christman. Nancy attended St. Francis Xavier Cathedral grade school (1938-1946), East Green Bay High School (1946-1950) and was a graduate of Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1950-1954) with a BA degree in Speech and Communications. During high school, Nancy became an avid tennis player winning awards in both the county and district meets and participating in the state tournament in 1950. She played No. 1 seed for the girl’s tennis team at East High School. She was a varsity cheerleader for four years, active in drama club, sports editor for the school newspaper, and member of the literary magazine. She worked part-time at Baum’s Department store during those years.

During her college vacations, Nancy worked for the Green Bay Recreation Department. After her graduation from college, she was employed at WDUZ radio station. Nancy married James L. Everson April 30, 1955 and together they had six children. Through the years, she involved herself in many activities. She was a member of the Green Bay Service League and the Service League Auxiliary. She was a board member of the YWCA, a member of Resurrection Ladies Guild, a member of Our Lady of Charity Guild, a volunteer for St. Vincent Mobile Meals program, a cub scout leader, a past member of both the Abbot Pennings and St. Joseph Academy Parents Clubs, a member of the Mount Mary College Alumnae Assn., a past member of Western Racquet Tennis Club and Four Seasons Tennis Club, a member and past president of the women’s organization at Mystery Hills Golf Course and longtime member of Oneida Golf and Country Club. She enjoyed skiing and skating, sewing and playing the piano, and participated in two of Music Theatre’s productions. For over forty years, Nancy belonged to two bridge clubs. September 7, 1981, Nancy married Ralph S. Blakesley, Jr., who preceded her in death on December 8, 2005.

Nancy is survived by five children: Kristin (Robert) Klein, Ft. Smith, AR; Eric (Mary Ellen) Everson, Green Bay; Brett (Katherine) Everson, De Pere; Jenny (Ronald) Wallberg, Green Bay; and Ingrid (David) Klein, Bloomington, MN.

She is further survived by 16 grandchildren: Megan (Paul) Francisco, Carrie (Michael) St. Croix, Brett (Brittany) Klein, Kellie (Scott) Ames; Erika Langefels, David Langefels, Alexander (Erin) Langefels; Jennalee (Samuel Brown) Everson, Rachel (Jack) Bartelt, Jessica (Lucas Lyon) Everson; Leah (Cody) Vatland, Christopher Everson; Kathryn (Thomas) Jantscher, Sarah (Trevor) Berceau; Brendan Klein and Ian Klein; and 10 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. She is further survived by her stepchildren: Stephan, Jeff and Scott Blakesley, and Patricia Singleton and Wendy Strain; and five step-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Synneva Ann Langefels of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, her first husband, James Everson, her parents, Peter and Mabel Christman, her sister Helen Claire Christian, brother-in-law John Christian, brother Wallace Christman, sister-in-law Rosemary Christman, stepfather Allen Robinson.

Friends may call at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Drive, Allouez, WI, Friday, June 7th beginning at 9:00 a.m. until 10:45a.m. a Mass of Resurrection will follow at 11:00, with Msgr. Jim Feely officiating. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Nancy Christman Blakesley, memorial funds to Unity Hospice and Friends of St. Vincent Hospital have been established. Cotter Funeral Home and Cremation Care is assisting the family. Online condolences may be offered at www.cotterfuneralhome.com

Nancy’s family would also like to extend sincere and special “thank you’s” to her caregivers over the years: Dr. Paul Schmitz; Nancy, Michelle, Val, and Wendy of Home Instead Senior Care; the staff at both Renaissance Assisted Living and Rennes Health Care Center; and most especially we thank the incredible staff and volunteers at Unity Hospice. Your tender, loving care is so very much appreciated.