Nancy E. Osterhaus

Nancy Ellen Osterhaus was born February 24, 1930 to Ralph and Margaret (McGlaughlin) Cavanaugh of Dubuque, IA. She was the sister of Ronnie, David, and Terry.

Nancy wasn’t the oldest in her family, but she naturally took on the role of “mother hen” to her brothers. She loved to tell the story of how she began Kindergarten early, simply because it was the only way her older brother Ronnie would agree to go. It is rumored that Ronnie & David gave Nancy every gray hair on her head. Years later, at 17, she came home from school to the surprising news that her mother was expecting another child. “How could you do this to me!?” she cried, to which her mother quickly replied, “How do you think I feel!?” What followed was a lifetime of good natured lamenting about her “spoiled little brother” that she carried with her well into her 80s.

She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1947.

She married her heart’s counterpart on December 1, 1951. Donald Osterhaus had already decided she was the one for him. He asked her out many times, only to be politely turned down each time. Then, at a mutual friend’s wedding, Don marched right up to her with a determination she couldn’t ignore and refused to take “No” for an answer. That very night he took her home so she could get ready for dinner (winning over her father first with a drink) before sweeping her off for an evening out. From then on, it was a whirlwind of young love dancing, staying up late and shutting down bars, just having good old fashioned fun. Life together wasn’t always parties like that, but those were the stories that brought a smile to her face and a twinkle to her eye.

In their life together, Nancy and Don raised two sons: Donald Jr. and Gregory. Those two turned out just fine. Then came 7 grandchildren who were lovely enough, but Nancy’s real pride and joy was her sixteen great grandchildren. She bragged about them like she did all the hard work herself.

Nancy loved cooking, Christmas, hosting get togethers and a good laugh. Nothing made her happier than feeding people. Her sons remember her classic Porcupine Meatballs. Her grandchildren will never forget Tostada Nights, her famous seven layer Jell-O salad, “Special” Potatoes, and those irresistible green pickles. For her great grandchildren, it was all about the endless supply of cheese, Oatmeal Cream Pies, and M&M’s. Great Grandma always had their favorites ready.

Christmas was her season. Each ornament was carefully placed on the tree with precision, especially her beloved collection of blown glass animals and characters. If one happened to break, it wasn’t just tossed away – it was laid to rest on her kitchen counter until Nancy was ready to say goodbye.

Nancy had a strong faith, witnessed by her lifelong fandom of the Chicago Cubs. When we say she prayed often, you can imagine how that went and all the worn-out rosaries. 2016 was a great year for her. Finally, the Cubs won the World Series and she got to tell everyone she was right and God is real and can move mountains or break a century long goat curse.

Her waiting heart was very much looking forward to being reunited in heaven with her beloved Don, son Don Jr., her parents, brothers and many other cherished family members.

Those left to honor include son Greg Osterhaus, her wonderful daughter-in-law Cheryl Osterhaus, the seven grandchildren plus their significant others, and of course, the 16 truly great grandchildren.

Memorials can be made out to the Davenport Lutheran Living Community. To the staff: We are especially grateful and offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone for loving Nancy as she was. Quick-witted, stubborn, and always ready with a comeback. You laughed with her, sometimes at her, and never let her sharp tongue overshadow her big heart. We are forever indebted to you all for loving her as your own.

Private family services for Nancy were held with burial in the Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island.