Nancy Jane Firchau, 67, of Denton, Texas, passed away on October 17, 2022, at home, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

Nancy was born in Madelia, Minnesota, on July 7, 1955, to Richard and Opal Sanders, and spent her childhood on her family's farm in Truman, Minnesota. To Nancy, the farm was a place filled with happiness, and she carried vivid memories of her time spent there throughout her life — memories of playing in the grove and being carried by her dad in a feed basket, memories that she described like a beautiful painting. At the farm, she grew into one of the most nurturing souls to ever walk this earth. A hug from Nancy was like being wrapped in the arms of joy.

Nancy met the love of her life, Jerry Firchau, as a teenager, and the two were united in marriage on March 9, 1974, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, the church Nancy grew up in. The couple was blessed with three children, Andy, Luke, and Stephanie, whom Nancy profoundly loved. With deep gratitude for her life as a mother, Nancy created a home filled with comfort and echoing laughter. That carried through to her life as Grammy to her grandchildren — Nancy's love for them shined from her like a light.

Nancy's heart beat for the children of this world, from her own children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews to the many students who came into her classroom during her time teaching preschool at The Children's Place in Denton, Texas. Over the course of 24 years, Nancy used her God-given gifts and infectious passion to touch the lives of countless families and make a powerful difference in the world. Nancy not only cared for children, she respected their beautiful spirits and created the space they needed grow.

Nancy loved long conversations over coffee. She loved Minnesota in the fall and decorating her home for the holidays. She loved animals, especially her beagle, Trixie. She loved precious moments with family and many treasured friends, and she always had her door and arms open wide for anyone who might need her.

Nancy was graceful in her strength and courage. She was a fierce advocate for breast cancer research and prevention — a cause she never stopped fighting for. She fought the good fight, and her battle is done. A person of deep faith, Nancy is healed and at home with her lord and savior.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Jerry Firchau; children, Andy (Erin) Firchau of Denton, TX, Luke (Emily) Firchau of Cottage Grove, MN, and Stephanie (Ross) Pilcik of Sugarland, TX; grandsons, Eli and Gavin Firchau and Brayden, Cade, and Keaton Pilcik; granddaughters Haley (Bernard) Klimaszewski and Kennady Poling; great-grandchildren Abel and Lyric Klimaszewski; sisters, Barbara Sanders (Al Thayer) of Indianola, IA and Laurie (Steve) Holman of Sauk Centre, MN; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Opal Sanders; grandparents, Olivia Simpson and Ed and Hulda Sanders; brother, Rick Sanders; nephew, Levi Sanders; mother and father-in-law, Dorothy and Reinhold Firchau; and other loved ones.