Nancy Lou Honken

   Nancy Lou Honken, 85 of Stoddard, Wisconsin passed away August 4, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. Nancy was born on March 12, 1938, to Jerry and Martha Thompson. Nancy was one of three; one sister and one brother. Her family grew to an additional 12, including half-sisters and brothers.

   Nancy graduated from Westby High School in 1955. Nancy met Dave in LaCrosse, Wisconsin in 1955, then married on July 7, 1957, in Esofea, Wisconsin. They preceded to have four children- two girls and two boys. After they married, they moved to Clear Lake, IA to raise their family and where Dave worked in construction. He then went to work for Super Value where he would be transferred to Des Moines.

   Dave and Nancy loved to travel in their earlier years going to: Acapulco, Hawaii, Bahamas, Africa, Spain, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Alaska.

   Nancy and Dave started Pronto Markets in Elk Run Heights, IA in 1979 where Nancy continued working. From there they moved to Wisconsin building their last and final Pronto. Nancy worked daily making all the pizzas and treats. This was her livelihood which she so enjoyed. Nancy was known as the best kringla maker ever. All the kids and grandkids couldn’t wait for a holiday so they could have some of her famous cookies. Nancy touched so many hearts and lives throughout the years; always wanting to give and never wanting anything in return. She always said she was going to win the lottery and take everyone away on a trip and buy everyone the biggest house ever- we all had to laugh at that one.

   Nancy is survived by her husband Dave Honken of Stoddard, WI., daughter Carol (Dale) Hilgenberg of Waukee, lA; son Mike (Lissa) Honken of Waukee, lA; daughter Linda (Tim) Cook of Adel, IA. She is further survived by her grandchildren Tony Hilgenberg, Waukee, lA, Aaron (Joan) Hilgenberg, Waukee, lA, Adam (Tiffany) Hilgenberg, Adel, lA, Nick (Katie) Bagby, Adel, lA, Alana (Josh) Marean, Waukee, lA, Kyle (Kelsey) Bagby, Grimes, lA, Katie Honken of Des Moines, IA, Sam (Rachel) Cook, North Carolina, Skylar Honken, Stoddard, WI and Allie Cook, Des Moines, IA; along with several great-grandchildren.

   She is preceded in death by Steven Honken (son), Waukee, lA, Mary Fanello (sister), Jerry Thompson (brother), Russell Hansen, Joslyn Hansen, Berdyn Hansen, Maurin Zitzner, Clarice Tollacksen, Grace Hansen, Royal Thompson, Joybell Fulton, Edith Jensen and Charles Hansen.

   A visitation will be held Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Ernst Funeral Home in Waukee.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Esofea, Wisconsin with inurnment to follow at the church cemetery.

   Ernst Funeral & Cremation Services of Waukee, IA has been entrusted with final arrangements.