Obituary of Nancy Nelms Leonard

Nancy Nelms Leonard, 66, died Saturday, August 10, of pancreatic cancer.

Nancy was born July 16, 1958, in Grand Marais, where she spent most of her life. She graduated from Cook County High School in 1976. Nancy married Bruce “Goober” Leonard in 1990 and they made their home on Maple Hill in Grand Marais.

Nancy’s father, Earl Nelms, was a game warden who introduced her and her brother Eric to a range of outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, boating, and snowmobiling. Her mother Dorothy was a librarian at Cook County High School, influencing Nancy’s lifelong love of reading.

Nancy drove a rural mail route for many years and worked at Hedstrom’s Lumber Mill until 2011 when she suffered a stroke. She displayed strength and resilience during this time and in spite of the lingering limitations caused by the stroke she remained active and lived a good life. She could be found waiting in the boat or vehicle reading a book while Bruce was puddle jumping, tromping through the woods, or casting a line. 

Nancy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May 2023. She never complained and rolled with all the punches cancer threw at her. Her grace, humor, courage, and toughness of spirit were remarkable!

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Dorothy Nelms.

She is survived by her husband Bruce, children  Lea (Jordan Ekroot), Linnea (Austin Crowley), granddaughter Renley Lyn Ekroot, brother Eric (Dusty) Nelms, and many other family and friends.

Nancy’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the extraordinary care she received at Essentia Health Oncology of Duluth, especially from Dr. Nikcevich and his nurse Karla.

Honoring Nancy’s request, there will not be a memorial service or funeral.