Obituary of Nancy Wiitala

Nancy Carol Wiitala, of Superior Wisconsin, was born on August 26, 1937, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Elsie and Edwin Johnson. Nancy passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota, following a brief illness.  

Nancy grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and Maple, Wisconsin, surrounded by a large and loving extended family that included her Finnish immigrant grandparents and many aunts and uncles. These formative years instilled in her a deep appreciation for kindness, laughter, love, compassion, and the Finnish concept of "Sisu," which embodies resilience and determination.  

Nancy dedicated her life to helping others. She worked with children through the Head Start Program and as a teacher's aide at Lincoln Elementary School in Superior, Wisconsin. Later in life, she pursued further education to become a nursing assistant and served for over 20 years at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth. In her retirement, Nancy continued giving back to her community as a volunteer for Essentia Health in Superior and as an active member of the Old Brule Heritage Society.  

Nancy is survived by her children, Randy (Lynne) Wiitala and Roxanne (Jim) DeMeyer; grandsons, Erik Wiitala, Nathan (Laura Jo) Reich, and Colin (Sessaly) Reich; great-grandchildren, Theodore and Josie Mae Reich; sister Corrine (Matt) Bien; brother, John (Anita) Johnson; as well as many cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Eino “Rueben” Wiitala; her brother, Ken Johnson; and her sister, Sharon (William) Pray.  

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at United Presbyterian Church, 229 North 28th Street East, Superior, Wisconsin. Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the service from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Lunch will be served afterward at the church. Pastor Brett Foote will officiate.  

Nancy’s warmth and generosity touched many lives. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.