Obituary: Nancy Hibma Kreklow - Class of 1966

FITCHBURG - Nancy Hibma Kreklow, age 61 years young, left this earth on her own terms on Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Nancy was the daughter of Dr. Otto (Barbara Stortz) Hibma. She is survived by her husband, Richard and long awaited daughter, Courtney and the newest love of her life, granddaughter, Milani. Nancy is also survived by her brother, Richard (Colleen) Hibma. Misses H-K, as she was called by her students, was a master's degree special education teacher for 12 years in the Madison school district, Velma Hamilton and Cherokee Middle Schools, where she enjoyed her students more than the paperwork. In the following years, Nan nurtured and fed her artistic talents in art metal and painting on stone. Her creations reflected a love of nature, animals and the beach. She also excelled in designing her own gold jewelry, wearing her "armor" with gusto and pride. She will also be missed by "the girls," her pets, Greta, Dakota and Pumpkin whose love for each other was unconditional. In respecting Nan's wishes for no memorial service, she would rather have her friends to: enjoy a warm, sunny day; take a nature walk in the park; walk with your pets; read a poem, better yet, write one; exercise; watch a sunrise; learn something new; enjoy the beauty of art; or play with your kids. Nan reflected on her art work saying that, "I believe in the quality of life and living everyday to the fullest. And that is what I hope my art work displays - life." There will be a Celebration of Life for Nancy on Friday, April 3, 2009, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL SERVICE, 6021 University Ave., Madison. Memorials may be made to the Dane County Humane Society.Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 2, 2009.

Note: Nancy Hibma's class year is based on information in the 1965 Tychoberahn, where her photograph is included among those of the junior class.