Nancy H. Zellmer

Nancy H. Zellmer (Ringenoldus), age 95, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on December 28, 2025. She was born on September 22, 1930, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Nancy grew up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and spent her summers with her family on Pewaukee Lake. She loved art and all sports but especially cherished time spent with her family and cousins “up north” at Lake Julia.

At age 15, she placed second (out of 120,000 applicants) in a national Teen Fashion Design contest. After graduating from Wauwatosa High School, her talent for art and design led her to study fashion illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. She completed her degree at Richmond Professional Institute in Richmond, Virginia, and graduated in May 1953.

Her love of the outdoors only increased when her parents bought a rustic log cabin on Lake Julia. She enjoyed fishing, partridge hunting, and hiking in the beautiful national forest that surrounded the cabin. She was never bothered by having to pump her own water, use the outhouse, cook on a wood stove, wash in the lake, or even catch an occasional bat or mouse that found its way inside.

The love of Nancy’s life was Ronald Zellmer, a neighbor and friend of her twin brother, Bill. Their first date was their sophomore-year Homecoming Dance. After Ron received his Naval Air commission, they were married on August 22, 1953.

They spent a short time living in Norfolk, Virginia, before being stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, for three years. They later moved back to Brookfield, Wisconsin, where Nancy was busy raising four children and volunteering as a Scout leader and Sunday school teacher, while also entertaining friends and family. She is fondly remembered as a fabulous cook and gracious hostess.

In 1970, the family moved to Seminole, Florida. Once again, Nancy devoted her time to volunteering at her children’s schools and church, while also caring for her aging mother and aunts. She continued her passion for art and design by creating hand-stitched quilts that are treasured by all who received them.

After her children were grown, Nancy worked part-time as a demonstrator in the deli at the Madeira Beach Publix. Customers and employees loved her smile and wonderful demeanor.

In 1992, she sold her family home and moved down the street into a condo on the Bay Pines golf course. She continued to stay active by playing cards in the clubhouse, participating in resident activities, and even teaching water aerobics in the pool three mornings a week until she turned 90.

Nancy continued to love spending time “up north” at Lake Julia during the summers and fall. She especially enjoyed playing cards and dice with her grandsons—and usually always won. She loved to read, watch old movies, and enjoy a hot fudge sundae or mocha frappe whenever she was out and about.

Nancy once wrote that her deepest values were rooted in the love of her family and her faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ. She truly lived her life that way.

Nancy will be deeply missed by her children: Ronald (Judy) Zellmer, Stephen (Mary) Zellmer, Linda (CJ) Kraft, and James Zellmer; her five grandsons: Jesse (Brittany) Zellmer, Cory (Nicole) Kraft, Kyle (Mikaela) Kraft, Tanner Zellmer, and Keegan Zellmer; her five great-grandchildren; and her brother, Bob (Sally) Ringenoldus.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Hertha Ringenoldus; her twin brother, William (Elaine) Ringenoldus; her grandson, Troy Hole; and her husband of 32 years, Ron Zellmer.

Nancy’s celebration of life will be held at Lake Julia next summer. The date is yet to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Nancy’s name to either:

https://www.threelakesmuseum.org/store/p173/Memorial_Gifts.htmlor

3 Lakes Center for the Arts | Donate

as she will be honored and remembered in the place she loved most.