Nancy L. Wells

FENNIMORE – Nancy L. Wells, age 84, passed away at her home on Saturday May 16, 2026, released from years of chronic pain of which she never spoke, Nancy was born on April 16, 1942, the daughter of Howard and Betty (Jerrett) Wells.

Nancy's life was guided by her faith no matter her circumstances, and she served her God every day. She touched and influenced so many people. Her ministry was herself, her personality, her smile, her reassuring touch on a shoulder, her life!

After graduating from FHS in 1960, she attended Madison Business College, then she worked as a secretary in Madison. She married her high school sweetheart, “Pete” Baumgartner who worked at Kaiser Ford. Pete joined the Wisconsin National Guard and shortly after that his unit was called up to go to Vietnam. While Pete was in Vietnam, Nancy moved back to the family farm and worked as secretary during the earliest years of the current SWTC campus.

When Pete returned from Vietnam, they lived briefly in Oregon, Wisconsin. Pete worked at Kaiser Ford again but decided he would like to join his brother-in-law John farming. Together they ran the Wells Family Farm with properties in Liberty Township and 323 acres along Blue School Road under the watchful eye and guidance of Nancy and John's father, Howard. While at the "Ranch," in 1970, Nancy and Pete adopted Amy Lynn. They were thrilled. In 1972 Nancy and Pete adopted Bradley John, so they now had a girl and boy.

When their farming was not generating enough income to support the lifestyle Nancy and Pete and her brother John and his wife Pattie wanted, an entirely different lifestyle was on the horizon. They negotiated with Cliff and Alma Siebert and bought The Cottonwood Supper Club on October 4th, 1972. Nancy and Pattie took a crash course in the Kitchen from Alma. Doris Thompson (Dozie) gave them some tips about being a hostess so they could take turns doing that as well. Nancy also did the bookwork.

For over thirty years she influenced employees, customers, vendors, deliverymen, by listening to and celebrating or morning with, anyone who needs to do one of those things.

From Nancy's perspective — So many years and so many wonderful people.

After the Cottonwood, Nancy worked at the World of Variety for many years. An entire generation remembers her as the WOV lady who inflated their celebratory balloons.

She also worked in the SWTC Kitchen for Kris Fry (before Kris’ ice cream days) where her smile and kind words often brightened the day for students going through the cafeteria line

All those things pale in comparison to the love she had for her children and grandchildren. Mom, Grandma and Grammy are the titles she cherished the most.

There wasn't anything that she wouldn't give for her family. She adored and cherished her grandchildren with a love so big, in her eyes they were perfect. Her love was unconditional. She had a special love for her grandson Pauly who has autism and developmental disabilities. His eyes would light up when he saw his Grammy coming toward him.

Nancy was so proud of the man her oldest grandson, Julian has become, working full time at Land's End. He's also a Staff Sargent in the Army Reserves. He still takes time to help with milking when needed. He also picked up and delivered bottled water and set out her trash. She is, was so proud of her soldier.

She was thrilled that Amy's son Pauly is thriving in his new residence in Madison, they had a very special two-way bond. Nancy was especially pleased that Amy and Tim have a Zoom call every day with Pauly.

Her grandson, Henry has struggled as many do and recently came back into her life. Of course, her unconditional love kicked in. She was even doing some laundry for him.

Nancy's youngest grandson, JP. Made her extremely happy as he was inducted in the National Honor Society, as well as having gone to the FFA Nationals for Meat Judging, and is going to Nationals for Agronomy. She attended many of J.P.'s sporting events when she was physically able to do so. J.P. regularly stopped by and took Amazon packages in his Grammy's house .

Amy and Nancy talked on the phone daily often multiple times as best friends due. The last year found Aimee taking her mom to doctor appointments and blood draws, but they always made the best of those trips.

Nancy’s devoted love for her Granddaughters, Allison and Kaitlyn Wells, allowed her to share cherished memories of attending birthday parties, dance recitals, Church programs, Homecomings, Proms, and Graduations. Picture taking before and after was not complete without a picture with Grandma.

Nancy attended countless sporting events supporting her granddaughters such as softball and volleyball games. Nancy’s lack of mobility did not prevent her from attending as she would watch a softball game from the comfort of her car if she had to. Allison and Kaitlyn will greatly miss the holidays spent with Grandma Nancy, where they would often bring Nancy’s “Grand cat” Cheeto to visit with her and Aunt Sharon.

The girls will always remember times they went to breakfast with both of their grandmothers and watched as they fought over who paid the bill. Nancy had a super sneaky move, to tell the waitress she was paying as she walked to the restroom.

A home visit from Nancy always brought cheerful conversation, a touch of local news, Brad picking on Nancy’s driving skills, and ended with a heartwarming hug with “I love you, I’m proud of you” we wish we could hear again, and again.

Nancy and her daughter-in-law Devanie Wells shared a special relationship as they enjoyed talking on the phone and visiting, discussing the upcoming events the girls would have, and picking on Brad. Devanie will carry Nancy in her heart forever.

Brad will always remember that his mother Nancy raised him to be a strong, independent man, and a loving father who would do anything to see his mother one more time, get that last hug again, and hear “I love you, I’m proud of you” once more.

Nancy was a lifelong Badger fan, especially of basketball. She often texted back and forth during the games with her brother John, whose life she saved. She was a once-in-a-century type of person and will be forever missed.

Nancy is survived by her brother, John Wells, Fennimore. She is also survived by her daughter, Amy Wells Scanlan (Tim), Fennimore, and their sons Julian, Paul, Henry, John Patrick, and Great Granddaughter Novah Flogel, and Son, Bradley Wells (Devanie), their daughters, Allison, and Kaitlyn, Fennimore.

A private family burial in Rock Church Cemetery will take place at a later date.