Nancy (Piersch) Odefey, 74, passed away on August 6, 2026. She was born on April 2, 1952, in Dubuque, the daughter of Edmund and Mary (Maus) Piersch. She attended Holy Trinity School and graduated from Wahlert High School in 1970. She attended Mercy Medical Center and earned a diploma in radiologic technology in 1972.

She married Gary Odefey, her high school sweetheart, on June 16, 1973, at Holy Trinity Church. They shared 53 wonderful years together. She had two daughters, Jennifer and Kari, whom she loved fiercely. She became a grandmother in 2007, and spending time with her five grandchildren was one of her greatest joys in life. She attended their games and events, took them on special trips, and bragged about them to anyone who would listen.

Nancy worked in the X-ray department at Medical Associates for 45 years and was a teacher and clinical instructor at Northeast Iowa Community College. She deeply valued her work friendships over the years and stayed in touch throughout retirement, always looking forward to her regular girls’ nights out.

Nancy was always active- playing pickleball, attending Jazzercise classes, biking, and taking countless walks and hikes with Gary and friends. She was an avid card player and delighted in games with anyone willing to play.

She loved to travel, especially to national parks and beaches, and became a Florida snowbird after retirement. Nancy loved visiting St. Germain, Wisconsin with extended family every year. She also treasured her trip to Europe last fall and her family trip to Hawaii in 2023 to celebrate her and Gary’s 50th wedding anniversary, where they renewed their vows on the beach.

Nancy was a member of the Dubuque Optimist Club and generously volunteered her time with several local organizations.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Gary Odefey, her daughters, Jennifer (Joe) Bartin and Kari (Nate) Ranallo, her grandchildren, Eli and Amelia Bartin, and Jaxon, Leo and Allie Ranallo, her siblings Peggy (Michael) Murray, Steve (Cathy) Piersch, and Laurie (Jeff) Nebel, as well as many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Mary Piersch; her parents-in-law, Herbert and Mabel Odefey; her brothers-in-law, Ron Odefey, Jim Odefey, Jeff Hurd, and Don Schemmel; and sisters-in-law Mary Lou (Odefey) Schemmel and Barb Odefey.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at the Dubuque Arboretum, Packard Pavilion on August 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Dubuque Optimist Club or Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.