Nancy Jean Ehlenbach, 93, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, and was reunited with the love of her life, her husband Frank.

Nancy was born on October 3, 1932, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Elmer and Anne Lambert. She spent her life devoted to her family, her community, and the many friendships she cherished along the way.

Nancy worked for several years as a cook for the Duluth school system. She later became the co-owner and operator of Jock’s Eat Shop alongside her husband, Frank. Together they proudly ran the restaurant for 21 years before retiring in 1993. In retirement, Nancy and Frank enjoyed spending their winters in Indio, California, after exploring other warm-weather destinations including Brownsville, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona.

More than anything, Nancy loved her family. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished for generations. She also enjoyed her many bingo days at Harrison Community Center and Morgan Park Recreation Center and was an active member of Evergreen Senior Center, where she faithfully served as treasurer. Whether playing bingo, keeping score at Yahtzee, or simply sharing stories and laughter, Nancy had a gift for bringing people together. Her husband often said she was "one in a million," and all who knew her would agree.

Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank, on June 11, 1998; great-grandchildren, Kayle-Jo and Kevin Boyer III; brother, Jerome Lambert; sisters, Patricia Swapinski and Judith LeDoux; daughter-in-law, Linda Ehlenbach; son-in-law, Duane Werner; and special aunt, Helen Sjodahl.

Nancy is lovingly remembered by her children, Steven Ehlenbach, Barbara (Daniel) Gohmann, Lorie Werner, Karen Copisky, and Jeffrey (Lisa) Ehlenbach; eleven grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; many special nieces and nephews; and countless other family members and dear friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, warmth, and love.

Nancy’s legacy lives on in the family she adored, the friendships she nurtured, and the many lives she enriched through her generous heart. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Celebration of Nancy’s life will be held from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 27th at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown. She will be laid to rest at Sunrise Memorial Park Cemetery with her beloved Frank.

Please share online condolences and photos at SunriseFuneralHomeandCemetery.com