Nancy Jean Riess

Nancy Jean Riess, 80, of Jefferson passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025 after a lengthy battle with dementia.  Nancy was born in Illinois on June 21, 1945 to the late Elmer and Rita (Molidor) Stilling.  She grew up on the family farm and attended school in Jefferson Wisconsin.  On April 24, 1965 she married Jerald "Tuffy" Riess at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jefferson.  Together they had 4 children. She is survived by her two daughters, Michelle and Amy.  Her sons, Mark and Rusty preceded her in death-Mark in 1968 and Rusty in 1996.  Tuffy also preceded her in death in 2002.  In 2008, she was lucky enough to find love a second time when she and Dale Meng began their life together.

Nancy worked a number of different jobs during her life-in the factory with Schweiger Industries, in the school as a teacher's helper and as a bus driver, and in the lab at Doskocil Foods.  However, most people will remember her last and most impactful job as an EMT for the City of Jefferson.  Nancy LOVED being an EMT!  She took pride in her work and selflessly supported the Jefferson Community for many years before retiring in 2008.

Nancy loved to play cards with her card club.  She was a Red Hat Society member.  She was an avid bowler and gardener and frequently referred to her garden as "dirt therapy.” After retiring, she and Dale enjoyed traveling, visiting casinos, and cheering on the grandkids as they participated in their various activities.  Nancy will be warmly remembered for her beautiful smile, kind heart, and limitless expressions-especially the eye roll and side eye she liked to give folks.

Nancy will be deeply missed by Dale and by her daughters, Michelle (Steven) Aumann of Jefferson and Amy (David) Jaramillo of Belvidere, IL.  Her grandchildren meant the world to her.  They, too, will miss her immensely-Jonathon (Alexis) Aumann of Des Moines IA, Daniel (Maria) Aumann of Lake Mills, WI, Abby Grace Aumann of Jefferson, Allison Jaramillo and Owen Jaramillo, both of Belvidere, IL and great-grandchildren, Margaret Aumann and Graham Aumann.  Nancy also leaves behind a sister, Judy (Jerry) Wesphall and 3 brothers, Jerry (June) Stilling, Dennis (Helen) Stilling, and Randy Stilling, sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Ken) Baars and Sue Hake, along with many nieces and nephews and Dale's lovely family as well.

A visitation for Nancy will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jefferson from 9 AM until the time of the Mass at 11 AM.  A private family burial will be held at a later date.

The family would like to extend their deep gratitiude to the team at Rainbow Hospice, especially to Amy and Kristi, and to all of Nancy's caregivers over the years.

Memorials in Nancy's honor may be made to Rainbow Hospice, St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, or to the ADRC of Jefferson County for Dementia Support programs.

Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home is assisting the family.