----Source: Wednesday, March 24, 2004, Clark County Press

Nancy J. Backaus

Nancy Backaus, age 66, of Neillsville, died peacefully, Tuesday, March 16, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Nancy Jo Backaus was born on March 23, 1937 in Appleton, the daughter of Earl D. and Viola Ann (Adrian) Miller. She graduated from Appleton High School in 1955 and then attended St. Joseph's School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1958 with a degree in Nursing. On January 10, 1959 Nancy was united in marriage to Richard O. Backaus in Appleton. They moved to Menomonie, where Nancy worked as a nurse at the Myrtlewerth Hospital, and Richard finished his schooling. In 1960, they moved to Marshfield and Nancy worked at St. Joseph's Hospital. Then, in 1961 they moved to Neillsville and she began working at the Memorial Medical Center. She worked there for over 30 years retiring in 1995.

Nancy was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and St. Rose's Circle in Neillsville. She enjbyed golfing and playing cards with her friends. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends and all whose life she touched.

She is survived by her husband, Richard; nine children, Liz (John) Blake of Guilford, Conn, Laura (Jeff) Brumm of Genoa City, Phillip (Sue) Backaus of Black River Falls, Eric (Tammy) Backaus of Neillsville, Missy (Jeff) Bader of Milltown, Jaynee Wewerka (Bruce Scherlin) of Eau Claire, Thomas Backaus of Park Ridge, Ill., Joseph Backaus of Neillsville, and Mary Backaus of Neillsville. Nancy is also survived by 24 grandchildren; one sister, Roberta "Skitch" (Richard) Koenig of Lady Lake, Fla.; and two brothers, E. "Dan"(Eileen) Miller of Northbrook, Ill., and George Miller of Arlington Heights, Ill.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Janice (Miller) Campbell and a son-in-law, James Wewerka.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Nancy was held March 20, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Neillsville. The Celebrant was Rev. Fr. Woodrow H. Pace. Music was provided by Ronald Resong, organist and St. Mary's Choir. Interment was in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.

Casket Bearers were: Phillip Backaus, Eric Backaus, Thomas Backaus, Joseph Backaus, John Blake, Jeff Brumm and Jeff Bader.

The Gesche Funeral Home assisted Nancy's family with funeral arrangements.