Nancy Lou Melsa, 75, of Hiawatha passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy.  Celebration of life services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids. Burial will follow in Czech National Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at Brosh Chapel.

Nancy was born November 26, 1941 in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Thais Stieger.  She graduated from Jefferson High School, class of 1959.  Nancy was united in marriage to Richard A. Melsa on October 7, 1961 in Cedar Rapids.  She worked at Mercy Medical Center and St. Luke's Hospital for many years, until she began raising her family.  While raising her five daughters, she operated an in-home daycare for many families.  She enjoyed bingo, volunteering at sporting events at Kingston Stadium for many years, baking her favorite recipes for others, and was known for bringing a smile to others.  She was a long-time member of the Kennedy Booster Club and the Hiawatha City Council. Family was very important to her, as she was there at all of the grandchildren's events, time spent at "The Boathouse" at Ellis Harbor, and creating any reasons for a family gathering.

Nancy is survived by her husband of over 55 years Richard; her five daughters Michelle Melsa of Brandenton, Florida, Lisa (Steve) Foley of Swisher, Angela (Chris) Melsa Worrell of Solon, Amy (Jason) Davis and Sara (Chuck) Melsa Whited both of Robins; seven grandchildren Taylor, Cole, Jackson, Spencer, Seth, Sam, and Elbe; her brother Greg Stieger of Cedar Rapids as well as nieces, a nephew, numerous cousins including two special cousins Rita Franklin and Jerrine Pippert, and her many friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, her brother Mike Stieger, and a nephew Casey Stieger.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Mary Anne Nelson, Hiawatha Police, Fire and Ambulance, the staff at Hiawatha Care Center and Hospice of Mercy for their loving care for Nancy and her family.