Nancy Schoensee

Nancy K. Schoensee, 59, of Central Lake died Nov. 23, 2011 with her loving husband Jim, son David, and sister Sue, by her side at Munson Medical Center, from multiple organ system failure related to septic shock from MRSA, and heart failure. She was born Mar. 2, 1952, in Adrian, the daughter of Kenneth and O. Ioan (Young) Stepp. She graduated from Adrian High school in 1970 and received her bachelor's degree in Music education from Bowling Green University in 1974. Nancy went on to receive her master's of music degree in 1978, and her doctorate of philosophy in music in 1995 both from Michigan State University. She was a member of the Pi Kappa Lambda Beta Alpha Chapter since 1977. She was also an elected member of the American School Band Directors Association in June 2007. Nancy was an Emeritus member of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association in January 2011. Nancy loved playing her flute. She performed with the Northern Michigan Flute Choir, the Northwestern Michigan College Concert Band, and in the Meridian Community Band of Okemos. For twenty years, Nancy performed on the flute accompanied by pianist Dave Wiseman for the 11 a.m. service at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral in Lansing. She also enjoyed playing percussion, and in addition to a country band she performed with while living in Lansing, she played percussion with the Capital City Brass Band of East Lansing, the Northern Michigan Brass Band of Gaylord, most recently with Charlevoix's Pine Lake Winds. Nancy loved teaching band to her 1000's of students. She was a firm believer, that if you found a job you loved to do, you never went to work. She taught instrumental music for Deerfield Public Schools, Davison Public School, Lansing Gardiner Middle School and Central Lake Public Schools and Ellsworth Community Schools. Nancy shared her expertise as an adjudicator for MSBOA district and state solo and ensemble festivals for twelve years. Nancy also loved to read, garden, and travel to the U.P., especially Marquette, Copper Harbor, and Lake of the Clouds Nancy was one of the nicest persons anyone would want to know. And we know that within a few moments, anyone meeting Nancy for the first time would recognize that Nancy was a "people person" and had such tremendous personal people skills. She would encourage in a way that made you feel loved. She always would look for the positive in her conversations. And because of this skill, or natural talent, she is loved. Nancy is survived by her husband Jim of 11 years, her mother O. Ioan Stepp, her sister Sue (Arlyn) Stepp Frauenkron, her brother Steve Stepp, her son David Witucki, daughter Sarah Witucki Smith, and several nephews. She is also survived by Jim's children Tom Schoensee, Matt Schoensee, Kate (Mike) Schoensee Curtis, and 7 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her dad Kenneth Stepp and her brother Cortland Stepp. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 29, at Eleven a.m., at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes with Pastor Gary Bekkering officiating. The family will receive friends Monday, November 28, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, from 10 am until the time of service, also at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be directed to the Central Lake Bands or the Northern Michigan Flute Choir. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com