Nancy Kreutzer

Nancy Ann Hickert Kreutzer, 69, of Overland Park, KS, died on November 28, 2021, of complications from cancer.

Nancy was born on July 7, 1952, to Bernard “Barney” and Beatrice “Tucky” (Schandler) Hickert of Lenora, KS. In high school, Nancy brought excellence to each of her endeavors. She was a cheerleader, twirler in the marching band, and valedictorian. When Nancy wasn’t caring for her many younger siblings on the family farm, she worked part-time at the local diner where she discovered her future husband Joe’s interest when he tipped her 50 cents for a 10 cent Coke.

After graduating from Lenora High School in 1970, Nancy continued her education in Wichita, KS, obtaining a registered nursing degree and then an accounting degree from Wichita State University summa cum laude. In Wichita, Nancy worked at St. Joseph Medical Center, Koch Industries, and most recently for many years as the business manager at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church of Andover.

Nancy married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life Joseph “Joe” Kreutzer, on June 1, 1974, in New Almelo, KS. Nancy was welcomed with love into the big-hearted, lively, expansive Kreutzer family. It was always a party, with everyone welcome, at Nancy and Joe’s home in Wichita. Nancy and Joe welcomed their beloved daughter Katherine Ann “Kate” on March 20, 1983. Kate brought joy to each day of Joe and Nancy’s lives. They treasured every moment until Joe’s premature death in 1985.

Nancy had an impeccable eye for beauty, decorating her home with creativity each holiday and sharing her inspired interior design style with her family and friends. She shared a close friendship over many decades with a group of dear friends, who met one another via their shared love of books. Nancy and her “Book Club Ladies” were true blessings in one another’s lives, whether discussing books, solving the problems of the world over brunch each Saturday, or decorating community homes to raise funds for the Lord’s Diner. She was a lifelong learner with varied and expansive interests in nature, art, science, politics, literature, and philosophy.

With her warmth, easy smile and ready wit, time with Nancy was a joy and a gift. Nancy was distinguished by her fearless optimism and ability to find beauty, goodness, and something to celebrate in each moment and person. Her personal hardships and losses deepened her empathy. Her thoughtfulness, kindness and wisdom made each of her acquaintances feel understood and loved.

Nancy lived in Wichita until moving to Overland Park in 2016, where she lavished love and attention on her beautiful granddaughters Maddy and Emily. She was an enthusiastic supporter of every aspect of their daily lives, from school pickup to the annual Halloween parade to special outings for tea, made special with hats for all. She was excited to celebrate each of their interests, from completing sudokus and “organizing” with Maddy to assisting Emily with Tinkertoys and Legos, to chair badminton with both. Nancy had limitless patience with her granddaughters, answering all questions with careful consideration and wisdom. Nancy also shared her many interests with them, from reading to art to nature. When they weren’t able to be physically together, Nancy would spend hours reading books to her granddaughters over FaceTime - and Nancy always made time for hugs and words of love.

Nancy was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. All of her siblings and many extended family were with her during her final days. She passed peacefully at sunset, surrounded by many who loved her and holding her daughter’s hand.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Joseph “Joe” Kreutzer, her father Bernard “Barney” Hickert, mother Beatrice “Tucky” (Schandler) Hickert, and brother Stephen “Steve” Hickert.

Survivors include her daughter Katherine “Kate”, her son-in-law Nicholas “Nick” Zluticky, and her two granddaughters Madolyn and Emily Zluticky, of Overland Park, KS; her siblings and in-laws Jody Hickert, Susan & Scott Brown, Beatrice & Ron Heikes, B.J. and Barb Hickert, Joseph and Gail Hickert, Dianne and George Witwer, Maureen and Bill Salomon, George Hickert, Caroline and Dale Schippers, and Colette and Jawad Haider; and numerous other nieces, nephews and extended family.

Memorials may be given to The Lord's Diner (https://thelordsdiner.org/donate/) in Wichita or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of New Almelo (Cemetery Fund), 20385 St. John St., New Almelo, Kansas 67645.