Nancy B. Schamper, 83, of Galena, IL, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Midwest Medical Care Center in Galena. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena, where friends may call after 10 AM until the time of the Mass. Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where a parish rosary will be recited at 3:45 PM. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Church cemetery. She was born on the family farm, the daughter of Nicholas and Anne (Mihm) Bussan, on September 24, 1942. Nancy attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from Galena High School in 1960. She attended and graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1963 as a Registered Nurse. She married Dr. Daniel Schamper on September 7, 1964, and he predeceased her on November 18, 2018. Nancy served as a catechist and a 4-H leader for 20 years each. Nancy served as secretary on the Galena Ambulance Service Board and on the Regional School Board of Jo Daviess and Stevenson Counties. She served as a director on the Jo Daviess County Mutual Insurance Board. Nancy was a member of the Holy Trinity altar and rosary, the pastoral council, and the cemetery committee. She is survived by her three children: Ed (Zandra) Schamper, Kathleen (Rich) Mueggenborg, and William Schamper; four grandchildren: Tiffany (Reginald) Bright, Jessica and Kyle Schamper, and Anne Mueggenborg; a sister-in-law, Doris Bussan of Dubuque; a brother-in-law, Thomas (Pat) Schamper; and her great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brothers, James Bussan and Dr. David Bussan, and her sister-in-law Diane Bussan.
Nancy B. Schamper
Soo sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jim and April Heffernan
Hello, I wanted to express my gratitude for Nancy‘s many years of service to the church in Jo Daviess County. She helped me when I was at St Mary in Elizabeth and in Hanover too. Later, I also became pastor at holy Trinity in Scales Mound. She was always kind and patient with me and was a super lady to work with. I pray she rests in peace. Also, I pray she has a happy reunion with the faithful departed, including her husband, Doc. Prayers and respect, Fr Chris .
The Friendship Quilters Guild would like to express our deepest sympathy to Zandra and her family. May warm thoughts and fond memories ease the burden of your sorrow.
Dear Kathleen, Rich, Anne and all the family, We are so sorry to hear you lost your mom and grandma, we are keeping you very close in our hearts and prayers and wish you the peace that passes all understanding and comfort at this most difficult time. With much love, Lori and Joe Corona XO
Sorry to hear this. I always enjoyed talking to Nancy and working with her with 4-H. My heart goes out to all of you. Unfortunately I will not be able to make it to the visitation. May she rest in peace and always remember all the good memories.