Nancy Ann Hamelund, age 74, beloved wife of David, passed away on October 26, 2026, following a courageous battle with vascular dementia at the Comfort Home in Reed City, Michigan.

She was born on May 1952, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Joseph and Catherine Rudnik. The middle child of nine siblings, Nancy grew up surrounded by family. Later in life, she came to Big Rapids to pursue a career change, earning a college degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Ferris State University (FSU). This accomplishment brought her great pride.

Nancy and Dave met in March 2001 at a pancake supper at Immanuel Lutheran Church, thanks to a little matchmaking by their mutual friend, Jane Torry. They were married on June 9 of that same year. For 25 years, they shared, built, and navigated a life together filled with laughter, love, and adventure.

Nancy was always an insurance agent at heart, even long after she had left that career behind. Dave jokingly referred to her as a “recovering insurance agent” because she had the unusual ability to calculate the probability of an accident happening on any given day.

Nancy had many interests and talents. She loved her perennial garden, enjoyed sewing, and especially loved quilting. She became a master quilter and created many beautiful quilts, several of which were donated as raffle prizes. She also loved to cook, and Dave certainly loved to enjoy her cooking!

Above all, Nancy loved Jesus, and her second great love was Dave. Her greatest joy and most cherished role was being a loving wife. She regularly attended Trinity Fellowship Evangelical Free Church until her illness prevented her from doing so. She faithfully served in the nursery and in Children's Sunday School, sharing her love and kindness with the youngest members of the congregation.

Nancy was truly a kindhearted person with a spirited personality that sometimes got her into a little trouble with family and friends. She brought warmth, humor, and joy to those around her. She was also a member of Lions Clubs International.

The family extends a special thank-you to the staff at the Comfort Home for making Nancy feel like their favorite aunt throughout her stay. Their kindness and compassion meant so much. The family also thanks the team at Corewell Hospice for the outstanding care and specialized support they provided, bringing comfort to Nancy during her final months.

Nancy is survived by her beloved husband, David; her son, Eric Kropf (Mindy); and her siblings, Ruth Hayes (Lewis), Kathy Husby, Diane Rudnik, Barb Rudnik-Wilson (Ronald), Joanne Wagner (Keith), Bill Rudnik, Robert Rudnik (Linda), and David Rudnik (Candida). She is also survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Gloria Hamelund; her daughter-in-law, Angel; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Catherine Rudnik, and her brother-in-law, Jerry.

A celebration of Nancy's life will be held at Trinity Fellowship Evangelical Free Church on November 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will take place on the evening of November 12th from 6 to 8 PM at Trinity Fellowship and again on November 13th at 10:00 a.m., prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Nancy's name to either the Comfort Home or the Wise Shelter for Women.