Nancy Jo DeRoo, 78, passed away peacefully at home on August 16, 2026, with her family at her side.

Nancy was born on October 14, 1947, in Elgin, Illinois, to Quentin and Josephine (Wolff) Hahn. She grew up in Wheaton, Illinois, and was a 1965 graduate of St. Francis High School. After raising her children, Nancy returned to the workforce, beginning a career in medical billing and coding.

On July 5, 1985, Nancy married the love of her life, Lester DeRoo. In 1989, they moved to Rochester, Minnesota, where she went to work for a pediatric dental office. After living in a few different places over the years, Nancy returned to the Rochester area after the death of Lester in 2008, so she could be closer to her children and grandchildren.

Nancy had a big heart and a gentle spirit. She was loving, caring, thoughtful, and always seemed to put others before herself. Her door was always open to someone in need, and she had a way of making people feel welcome and cared for. She was truly a special, one-of-a-kind lady whose kindness touched many lives.

Nancy enjoyed gardening and was an avid reader. She generously volunteered with the local school districts, including her granddaughter, Josie’s classroom. Nancy also had a special love for animals, particularly her dogs and she also enjoyed watching the birds around her home, especially hummingbirds.

Her family was the most important thing to Nancy, and her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart. She truly lived for them and treasured every moment she was able to spend with them.

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Shelly (Robert Ferguson) Harden; son, Craig (Neroj Taha) Bringle; grandchildren, Josie (Joe) Spading, Wyatt Bringle, Jade Bringle, Walker Harden, Jiwan Taha, Botan Taha, Dahveen Taha, and Zine Taha; great-grandson, Carson Spading; siblings, Jan (Herb) Larson, Debbie (Dennis) Jones, and Lori (Tim) Kovac; along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester DeRoo; sister, Kathy Corn; and her parents, Quentin and Josephine Hahn.

A memorial service celebrating Nancy's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Byron Funeral Home, 1620 Voll Drive NW, Byron, MN 55920. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Oakwood East Cemetery in Rochester.

To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.byronfuneralhome.com