(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Nancy Lee Hoppe, 85, went home to her Lord and Savior on March 15, 2026.
Born on January 3, 1941 to the late Lyle and Leone Peterson, she was the eldest of seven children. She grew up in Franksville and attended Horlick high school, where she met her high school sweetheart John Merlo. They were married in 1959 and had four children together.
Later in life, Nancy met her second love, Raymond Hoppe and they were married in Kissimmee, Florida in 1995, and resided in Punta Gorda Florida before eventually returning to Racine, Wisconsin. Ray preceded her in death in 2005.
Nancy loved two things most in life; God and her family. She knew the Bible well and her faith carried her through many struggles. She also enjoyed keeping and breeding many beloved golden retrievers, as well as crafting and painting. She loved visiting with family, lunch dates and shopping with her daughter and granddaughters, and was affectionately nicknamed “Fancy Nancy” by her great granddaughter Lena.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Nancy’s sister Jill; thank you for spending so much time with her and being by her side. Thank you to Tracy and Pam (cookie) from Parkside Manor for going above and beyond to give Nancy such good care.
Nancy is survived by her children; John (Sharon) Merlo, Michael (Monica) Merlo, Angela (Todd) Keller and Joseph (Austen) Merlo. Brother; Jim (Sherry) Peterson, Sisters; Jill Barker and Jackie Mrkvicka. Grandchildren; Erica (Tom Ingram) Keller, Lauren (Angelo) Jones, August (Laura) Keller, and Michael Jr, (Amber Burnett) Merlo, as well as Great Grandchildren; Aden, Max and Lena Jones and Blakely Merlo.
Nancy is preceded in death by her husbands; John Merlo and Raymond Hoppe; Parents; Lyle and Leone Peterson, Sisters; Patty Miller, and Kathy Gummow, as well as brother-in-law Craig Gummow.
A celebration of life is being planned with details to follow.
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th Street Kenosha WI 53142
262-653-0667
www.caseyfamilyoptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Erica Keller says:
Nana you were my favorite growing up. You have no idea the impact you made on my life! I know I get my stubborn and resourceful personality from you. I know you were excited to meet Jesus one day, and I’m at peace knowing exactly where you are. Love you and miss you ❤️
Jill Barker says:
What can I say? My beautiful loving sister will be missed. She was my best friend. She loved Jesus so much and always told others about him. She is in his care now and rejoicing with the Angels. To her children and grandchildren Jesus will comfort you and keep you .
John Merlo says:
Mom will be missed. Her steadfast faith was and is an inspiration to me and to all who knew her. She will receive many crowns in heaven not the least of which is the crown of long suffering. God’s promises are true and I am certain that we will be together with the Lord someday soon. Thank you for doing your best, Mom! I will always and forever see it that way. Love, your son John.
Pamela Schaefer says:
My heart is very heavy with the loss of nancy.we became close very quickly she always made me smile.we had many conversation and angela please know this even though at times it didn’t seem like it you were very much appreciated.it was my pleasure taking care of her and she will be truly missed. Cookie
Tracey says:
I loved spending time with Nancy!! If we were doing an activity she didn’t like, she would give us her opinion but stayed to entertain us with her “witty comments.” Nancy will be greatly missed!!!
Tami says:
Aunt Nancy, you will be greatly missed. I have so many fond memories of your laugh around grandma’s kitchen table and your visits to Sarasota. When I think back on you, I hear your laughter in every memory I have. Sending you love as your journey to the ancestral realm.
Tom Ingram says:
I always loved spending time with you and listening to your funny stories. Erica always spoke so highly of you and her good memories of growing up with you around so much. We will both miss you!
Jill says:
I met Nancy while my mother was living at Parkside Manor. She was fun to talk to and hear was always ready to share her opinions. My condolences to her family.