Nancy L. Zieman, national sewing authority and longtime host of the Wisconsin Public Television show “Sewing with Nancy,” died Nov. 14 at her home in Beaver Dam, Wis., from cancer.
A closed-casket visitation is planned for Friday, Nov. 17, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 400 Hillcrest Drive, Beaver Dam, and the funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the church. A fellowship meal will be held immediately after the funeral at Nancy’s Notions in Beaver Dam.
Peace Pastor Rev. Mark Wenzel described Zieman as a “longtime faithful member” of the congregation who served “most notably as a Sunday school teacher, and was also instrumental in restarting vacation Bible school as well.”
Said Wenzel: “Nancy was a very humble, faithful servant of the Lord. What you saw on television, she was in person. She never sought attention or glory, but was always dedicated to serving her Lord with the gifts that He gave her.”
Zieman, 64, was a successful author, designer, businesswoman and TV producer. She founded Nancy’s Notions in Beaver Dam and served as a national spokeswoman for Baby Lock sewing machines.
“Sewing with Nancy” — which she hosted for 35 years — was reportedly television’s longest-running sewing program.
Among honors she received were:
- induction into the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame (2014);
- the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Wisconsin—Stout, Menomonie, Wis. (2013);
- first-ever inductee into the American Sewing Guild’s Sewing Hall of Fame in 2001;
- the National 4-H Alumni Award (1991); and
- the Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year award from the Wisconsin Women Entrepreneurs Association (1988).
Zieman is survived by her husband, Rich; two sons — Ted (Alison) of Green Bay, Wis., and Tom (Katelyn) of Appleton, Wis.; and three grandchildren. She also is survived by her mother, Barbara (Warren) Eckstein of Zittau, Wis., and three siblings — John Luedtke of Fayetteville, Ark.; Dean (Mary Ann) Luedtke of Larsen, Wis.; and Gina (Jeff) Crispell of Wausau, Wis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Nancy Zieman’s name may be made to Hillside Hospice, 709 S. University Ave., Beaver Dam, WI 53916, or to Wisconsin Public Television, 821 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706.
To read her obituary and share condolences, click here.
Posted Nov. 16, 2017
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Nancy’s reputation and character exceeded her talent. She appeared to be Jesus with skin on to those around her. God bless her family and friends with comfort and peace. Jo
I watch Nancy every time her show was on air. She taught me a lot about sewing being a beginner and self taught sewer. She is going to be missed greatly.
May she rest in peace. Praying for the family. Loved her show. Will truly miss her. God Bless
She was an inspiration to many sewists like myself who still remember her first shows on television. God bless and console her family. I’m sure Nancy is in her sewing room in Heaven.
A most gracious lady.met Nancy at a convention and she signed her book and allowed pictures.
May she rest now in the Lord’s arms
My deepest sympathy to Nancy’s family and relatives. She has fought hard many times, but the Lord has called her home to be with him. I have been with her since the early days of Nancy’s with her garage beginnings and her generous heartwarming spirit of sharing her talents with all of the sewing world. She will be keeping everyone well dressed in heaven and she will be as loved there as she is here.
Nancy’s passing has made me so sad. We have lost an inspirational, brilliant woman. She was always my go to person to find out information for the Clothing and Textiles Field when I needed it for the students I taught. Peace be with you Nancy, and your family as they move through life missing you.
So sorry to have read about Nancy’s passing. She was way to young and she is sewing in heaven.
Just one of millions of anonymous viewers here to say, in so many ways & so many times of my life, I could always count on a cheerful, peaceful sewing program shepherded by Nancy. She was an awesome positive role model for millions of women, and even after she has gone to be with the Lord, her saintly presence will (hopefully) continue to be available to us on public T.V. and her many books.