Nancey Jo (Stertzbach) Schortgen

Nancey Jo Schortgen 

  LEIPSIC - Nancey Jo (Stertzbach) Schortgen, 67, passed away on Saturday June 5th, 2021 at the OSU Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio while undergoing surgery for a liver and kidney transplant.  She was born September 3, 1953 in Canton, Ohio to the late Dehlen and Marilyn (Bickart) Stertzbach. Nancey married John Schortgen on October 19, 1985 and he survives in Leipsic.

    Other survivors include three children:  Tyler Schortgen of Leipsic, Paige Schortgen of Columbus and her second daughter, Tylee Dukes of Leipsic; three sisters:  Margie Summers of Champaign, IL, Lori Zunich of Champaign, IL and Judy Dukes of Leipsic and several nieces and nephews.

  Nancey was preceded in death by her brother, Steven Stertzbach.

  Nancey’s 46-year career in education began in 1975 at Leipsic High School as a French and Speech teacher. After 19 years in the classroom, she became the high school principal for 14 years. Following her retirement, she worked 3 years at Bluffton College supervising student teaching experiences. Nancey’s love of teaching French led her back to Columbus Grove for the last 10 years.

  Travel and food were two of Nancey’s passions. Her first trip to France in high school sparked her lifelong love of the language and food. During her junior year at BGSU, Nancey studied in France. As a teacher, she took several groups of students on trips to France as well as Canada.

Two years ago, she fulfilled half of her dream of taking her kids to Europe when she and Paige were able to make the trip. Her only disappointment was that Tyler could not join them due to his work responsibilities in Colorado. However, she was thrilled to visit him in Vail and add another destination to her long list of trips.

  Well known for her incredible cooking talents, Nancey enjoyed teaching others, especially Tylee. She always incorporated food days into the curriculum for French classes providing French onion soup and crepes. Her sugar cream pies at the church auction always brought top dollar.

  Throughout her career and life, Nancey thrived on building relationships and mentoring people. Her strong personality, quick wit, and loving spirit will be missed by many.

  Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 10, 2021 at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, LEIPSIC with Pastor Tim Eding officiating. Burial will follow at Sugar Ridge Cemetery, Leipsic.  Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday as well as one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home.

    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Leipsic First Christian Church or Donate Life organization.

  Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com