Obituary: Nancy Lauterbach

Nancy Irene Lauterbach was born Aug. 9, 1933, to Gottlieb (Nick) and Marie Minkoff in Clatskanie, Oregon. She graduated from Cascade Locks High School and worked for a local sawmill before she met the love of her life, Jim Lauterbach. They were married Nov. 22, 1952, and had been married 64 years at the time of Jim’s passing in December 2016.

Shortly after their marriage, they moved to The Dalles, Oregon, where Jim worked for the Corp of Engineers and Nancy transformed into a wife of noble character as she faithfully lived as an example stated in Proverbs 31:10-31. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother of four children — Merl (Cheryl), Nick, Brian (Michelle), and Karen — sister, and daughter. Her hands were never idle as she devoted endless hours gardening and canning which she used these fruits of her labor to make delicious meals for her growing family. She was an excellent cook and loved to host and cook for family gatherings, as her home was a place for her to show her love through food to whomever walked through the door. She was an accomplished seamstress, quilter, and crafter. She made many beautiful quilts and endless sewn gifts for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church’s St. Barbara’s circle, managed St. Peter’s gift shop, and was a member of a quilting circle that raffled off quilts to support the alter society. She extended her hand to the poor through her sponsorship of children in need. Many women do noble things, but Nancy surpassed them all. Her children, family, and friends were so blessed to call her mom, grandma, aunty, and friend. She was a great example of what it means to be a godly and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all. She will be greatly missed.