Nancy Preuss Ohman Mitchell, age 89, of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, and formerly of Machesney Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, after a lengthy battle with vascular dementia.
Nancy was born on November 3, 1935, to Ina Mae Dykes in Creston, North Carolina. She was adopted shortly thereafter by Alfred and Gertrude Preuss of Chicago. She graduated from Carl Schurz High School in 1953.
That same year, Nancy met Thomas Ohman, and they married in 1954 (later divorced in 1975), going on to have three daughters: Diane, Janet, and Elizabeth. When Nancy became a mother, she dedicated her life to raising her girls with love, encouragement, and unwavering support. She made it her mission to lift up her daughters through their passions and challenges while continuing to better herself. In 1978, she married John Mitchell. Though their marriage ended in 1982, their friendship endured for many years.
Nancy studied childcare at Rock Valley College and, with the support of her husband, opened and operated Raggedy Ann Day Care. She poured herself into the work, learning business management firsthand and finding joy in building something that reflected her passion for children. In 1982, she began working in bookkeeping at Rockford Township, where she remained until her retirement around 2000. Retirement did not slow her commitment to service—she went on to work at St. Elizabeth’s Food Pantry full time and volunteered with the HIV/AIDS Alliance, continuing her lifelong desire to make a difference in her community.
Nancy found joy in playing the piano, visiting her father in Chicago, her adopted greyhounds, and always working toward self-improvement. She instilled in her daughters the values of kindness, compassion, and courage to stand up for what is right. A devoted genealogist, Nancy and her daughters spent years piecing together her early life before adoption—a challenging search in the days before the internet. In 1995, she joyfully reconnected with her birth mother and was grateful to share meaningful years together.
Nancy had a sharp wit, a playful spirit, and a warmth that drew people in. She loved thoughtful debates, quiet humor, and celebrating the small joys of everyday life. She was a strong woman whose legacy of kindness, curiosity, and unwavering love for family and friends will live on in all who knew her.
Nancy was predeceased by her parents, Gertrude and Alfred, and her daughter, Janet. She is survived by her daughters Diane (Mick) and Elizabeth; her grandchildren Jenna (Jason), Trevor (Steffi), Kaylee (Jarrod), Brendan (Megan), Jan, and Saskia; and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by Roberta Lynn Mohamed, a dear friend and neighbor whom she cherished as a sister.
The family requests that condolences be sent ℅ Diane Thomson, N7314 Mariner Hills Circle, Elkhorn, WI 53121. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lakeland Animal Shelter, 3615 Hwy 67, Delavan, WI. A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at a later date.
