Nancy Louise (Brandstatter) Kruer

Nancy Kruer, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, philanthropist, and world traveler, passed away peacefully on April 26th, 2026, leaving a legacy of love, joy, and adventure.

Born on June 18, 1935, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Nancy was the cherished daughter of German immigrants John and Maria Brandstatter. She grew up alongside her siblings Richard, Marilyn, and Robert. From a young age, Nancy displayed a love of the water, excelling as a swimmer and water skier. Summers at the family cottage on Spring Lake were marked by spirited days on the lake, where she made history as the first woman to ski jump there, alongside tennis matches, boating, and laughter shared with close friends like the Youngs, Ellises, Murphys, Hoffs, and Datemas.

Nancy attended Mount Mercy Academy and later Michigan State University, where she was named to the Queen’s Court for the Harvest Ball in October 1954. She spent the summer of 1955 teaching swimming for the Red Cross, combining her love of sport with her gift for teaching and nurturing others. These early experiences shaped a lifelong passion for activity, adventure, and meaningful connections.

In November 1955, Nancy married William “Bill” Kruer, beginning a lifelong partnership defined by love, family, travel and exploration. Together, they split their time between Grand Rapids and West Palm Beach, Florida, finding joy in sailing their boat, the Halcyon, and entertaining friends and family at their homes on Reeds Lake and Singer Island. Summers on Reeds Lake were spent swimming, sailing, and hosting lively gatherings, while winters in Florida were filled with holidays, dinners, and laughter with friends, including the Ellis and Murphy families, who became like extended family.

Nancy and Bill shared a love of adventure that took them around the globe. They spent countless trips sailing in the Virgin Islands, skiing in Aspen with friends like the Gilmore family, and enjoying the slopes at the chalet in Schuss Mountain. They also joined unforgettable “wagon train” vacations, traveling in motorhomes alongside friends and family including the Hoffs, Murphys, Datemas, Browns, and Judy Spindle family creating lifelong memories of shared journeys and laughter. In her later years, following Bill’s passing, Nancy found loving companionship with Don Freeman.

A woman of remarkable talents and generosity, whose gifts included painting and playing the piano. Her devotion to community and philanthropy was evident in her service on the Board of Directors at St. Mary’s Hospital, where she was one of the few women to hold such a position at the time. She continued volunteering there throughout her life, contributing her time, energy, and heart to causes that mattered to her.

At the center of Nancy’s life was her family. She was a devoted mother to Marc, Fritz (Mary), Karen, and Julie; a cherished grandmother to George, Matthew, Benjamin, Anna, Martina, Jullian, Wilder, Laura, John, Claudia, Lindsay, Emily, Joseph, and Owen; and a proud great-grandmother to Sloan, Carter, Blake, Brody, Theodore, Esme, Kory and Casey. She nurtured deep bonds with her grandchildren, taking them on countless adventures, and sharing her love of life in every moment.

Nancy’s spirit was defined by her warmth, generosity, and joy. She loved late-night conversations, laughter, and fun, and her vibrant personality left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. A devout Catholic, she carried her faith with grace and inspired those around her through her kindness, integrity, and devotion to family and community.

Nancy Kruer’s life was a tapestry of love, laughter, adventure, and service. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire her family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her. A Mass and memorial will celebrate her remarkable life, the joy she brought to others, and the countless memories she created along the way.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a gift in memory of Nancy to D.A. Blodgett-St. John's 2172 Dean Lake Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nancy Louise (Brandstatter) Kruer, please visit our floral store.