Nancy L. Chew

Nancy Lee Okey Chew, age 89, of Dubuque, IA, went to her eternal home on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Nancy was born to Hubert and Dorothy (Perrin) Okey on August 13, 1936, in Cassville, WI. Nancy left her rural home in Beetown, WI for Madison, WI where she earned a Cosmetology license which she maintained until she was 75. It was there that she met Patrick Chew and was united in marriage on December 27, 1956. Life took them to Dubuque, IA where Nancy became a homemaker, mother of two children and partner to Pat in their many business ventures. In early years, Nancy could be found cashing Friday payroll checks at Derby Gas Station or assisting with bookkeeping. During the 1970’s, she partnered with Darlene “Pinkie” Kelly having lots of fun operating POSH LTD women’s attire. Nancy actively assumed leadership of Holiday Oil, Inc. in 2012. In recent years, she enlisted help from her son, Eric, dear longtime friend and accountant, Judy Lochner and her daughter, Zyann. Nancy was a lifelong fan of going to the movie theatre. She enjoyed traveling throughout the United States as well as dining at nice restaurants. Nancy loved to play games with her family. Her favorite day of the week was Sunday, spent with Eric doing jigsaw puzzles followed by Russian Marbles and Rummy. Nancy was a generous person. She gave her many friends haircuts, permanents, driving lessons (stick shift), and support to find their inner strength and talents. Nancy will be remembered in our hearts as an independent, “fun-loving” and adventurous spirit.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick in 2012.

Survivors include her daughter, Zyann (Andrew) Kinney, son, Eric (Kim Koppes) Chew, three granddaughters: Crystal Chew, Kara (Brad) Boone, Rachel (Giorgio) Kinney Koutani; three great-grandchildren, Zayda Zalaznik, Blair and Colette Boone.

Funeral services will be on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory in Cassville with Pastor Mary Ann Floerke officiating. Burial will be in Cassville Cemetery, Cassville. Family and friends may visit on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Nancy L. Chew Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to thank the care providers Brianna, Amber, Phyllis, Ellie and Dr. Kahn, for their excellent care and compassion shown to Nancy over the past year.