Mass of Christian Burial for Nancy Ducheneaux, age 68, Promise, 10:00 AM CT Friday, February 7, 2014, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mobridge. Burial: 1:30 PM CT, St. Catherine's Catholic Cemetery, Promise under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home. Visitation, Thursday, February 6, 2014 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Kesling Funeral Home and 5PM, St. Joseph Catholic Church, a rosary service at 7PM. Nancy passed away Sunday, February 2, 2014, St. Alexius Hospital, Bismarck, ND.
Nancy Mae, daughter of Robert and Ruby (Bakkum) Hempel, was born on October 16, 1945. She was the youngest of four children. During the first years of her life, her family moved around quite a bit before settling in McLaughlin, when Nancy was seven. She loved going hunting and fishing with her father and was completely (according to her brother and sisters) spoiled by her parents. She graduated from McLaughlin High School in 1963. Soon after, she married Terry Ducheneaux. Terry moved Nancy to Armstrong County where she lived for a few years. She had tried to erase those memories of living in the extreme boonies over the years, but it was the start of their roller coaster life, and she wouldn't have given them up for the world. Nancy and Terry soon moved to Promise where they raised their five children and a few misfits.

Nancy loved her holidays, especially Easter, as that was the holiday she hosted at home. She would spoil all her nieces and nephews with Easter crafts. One year, she gave them all homemade baskets made from balloons, string, and glue. She was known for making baby blankets for all the new babies. She made sure holidays were celebrated and enjoyed by all. It was important for her to make positive connections with family and friends at all times.

While converting from a city girl to a ranch wife, Nancy loved working with her pigs, baby calves and chickens, tending to the garden, doing some target shooting, feeding cows (especially her pet), feeding the neighbors, playing cards, baking, and helping out at the church. Nancy loved to joke around and was known to have a good water fight now and then.
She welcomed people into her home, whether it was for a day, a week, or many years. Many nieces and nephews would come just to have Aunt Nancy's cooking. She loved everyone who came into contact with her, and they all loved her back. She traveled many miles to attend her kids activities and supported them in all they did. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and she couldn't have been more proud of them. She would make them give her a kiss, a hug, and have a conversation with her, even if they didn't feel like talking. She brought out the best in every one of them.
Nancy had many illnesses toward the end of her life. Even during all these hardships, she never complained or said "why me", but she would always say there are so many people that are way worse off than her. Her frequent hospital visits brought many new people into her life that she called friends.
Nancy is survived by her puppy Bruiser, her six children Michelle (Steve) Mitchell of Belle Fourche, Bobby (Tammi) of Promise, John (Rochelle) Garreau of Mobridge, Nicki (Shawn) Ducheneaux of Black Hawk, Steph Ducheneaux of Kaneohe, Hawaii, Jake (Tommy) Houck of Akaska; eight grandchildren Carroline (Scott), Tyler, Alex, Isabella, Skya, Dakota, Dominick and Jayden, and three great-grandchildren Ava, Javin, and Sidney; her very special friend Judy Dosch; one sister Mary (Irvy) Schanzenbach, one brother Robert (Myrna) Hempel; three sister-in-laws Edwina Hollenbeck, Keva (Andy) Aberle, Kendra "Jo" (Justin) Enright ;and one brother-in-law Frank (Carol) Ducheneaux and many, many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Nancy is preceded in death by the love of her life Terry Ducheneaux, her parents Robert and Ruby Hempel, sister Jane and brother-in-law Lindy Ness, in-laws Ed and Alice Ducheneaux, Vic and Nellie Hollenbeck, Glen Mowrer, Pinky Hollenbeck, her nieces Carol Schanzenbach and Kirby Varland, and her nephew Mike Aberle.