Nancy Landwehr Droege

Nancy Landwehr Droege was born on July 5, 1925, and grew up in Northbrook, Illinois. She was the daughter of Edith Petersen Landwehr and Robert Johann Landwehr, and the beloved sister of Robert Landwehr. Nancy graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in education and began her teaching career in the 1940s after moving to San Mateo, California. Teaching was her calling, and she went on to teach middle school history and English in Illinois and New Jersey, impacting countless students with her passion for learning and her sharp, engaging mind. She met the love of her life, James William Droege, at her brother’s wedding. They were married on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1953 and shared a life full of devotion, adventure, and partnership. Nancy was the proud mother of three children: Mark Droege (Monique), Jim Droege, and Nancy Droege Styles (Kevin). She was a loving grandmother to Ryan and Ross Droege, and Claire Droege Cochran, and to Matthew and Mark Styles, and a cherished great-grandmother to Abigail, Elizabeth, Mary Katherine and Emma Grace Droege. Later in life, after moving to Arkansas, Nancy embraced a new chapter and a new career, becoming a successful realtor for more than two decades before eventually relocating to Georgia after her husband passed in 1989. Her adaptability and willingness to learn were hallmarks of her life — she stayed curious, independent, and remarkably current with technology well into her later years. A woman of deep and enduring faith, Nancy was religious throughout her life and actively involved in small groups and Bible studies wherever she lived. She loved traveling the world, always eager to explore new places and cultures. In her younger years, Nancy enjoyed horseback riding and playing badminton. Throughout her life, she found joy in games of all kinds — especially cards. An avid and competitive bridge and mahjong player, she loved the challenge and camaraderie of game nights and was known for her sharp mind and spirited determination. Nancy will be remembered for her intelligence, adaptability, faith, competitiveness, and love of learning — as well as for the warmth and energy she brought to every room. She leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, resilience, volunteerism and devotion to family that will be treasured by all who knew her. The family will hold a private family memorial service followed by a public visitation / reception from 11:30am till 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 21st. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Salvation Army at https://give.salvationarmyusa.org

Nancy Landwehr Droege

July 5, 1925 - February 5, 2026