Nancy Jean Telgenhof passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, in Zeeland, Michigan, and now rests in the eternal care of her Lord and Savior. Born on May 15, 1947, in Holland, Michigan, she lived a life marked by kindness, creativity, faith, and devotion to the people she loved. She was a woman whose laugh brought light to every room, and whose spirited nature encouraged others to seek joy, be kind and loving to one another, and to live with faith.
Nancy leaves behind her husband, the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Telgenhof. They met in 1965, at the A&W Root Beer stand, while cruising the 8th Street strip in downtown Holland, MI. Two years later, they married in Virginia, where Bob was stationed with the U.S. Naval Service. Once he returned from his years of active duty, the couple started their family in 1972, ultimately bringing four beautiful children into the world together. Nancy was a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In addition to her husband, Bob, her memory will be forever cherished by her sister and brother-in-law, Marissa and Mike Gregory; her daughter, Sarah Telgenhof and her partner Gary Potesta; her sons and daughters-in-law, Ben and Detra Telgenhof, Jonathan and Amanda Telgenhof, and Pete and Sarah Telgenhof. She is also warmly remembered by her beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth, Lindsey, Megan, Andrew, Nathan, Isabelle, Owen, Charles, Rory, Adam, and Leah, along with her six, precious great-grandchildren. Her family was one of her greatest blessings, and each loved one carries forward a part of her legacy through the memories, laughter, and love she shared during every treasured moment spent together.
Those who knew Nancy will remember her as outgoing, creative, loving, and faithful. She rejoiced in a life of service, volunteering at church, singing in the choir, donating hand-sewn baby quilts to families in need, and sharing her home-cooked meals and sweet treats with friends, family, and neighbors. Nancy delighted in social gatherings and made many friends throughout her life. While attending Holland High School, she met one of her closest friends, Brenda Battaglia, with whom she and her family shared many of life’s milestones. Whether dressing up in red and purple finery to attend a local Red Hat Society dinner, catching up with cousins over a good salad at lunch, or making a Culver’s custard run with her granddaughter, Nancy was always eager to break bread and share the news of the day. Nancy also found joy in the gifts of everyday life. Her passion for gardening brought color and beauty to the world around her. A lifelong animal lover, Nancy had a special place in her heart for her dear canine companion of 14 years, Madeline Rose, a sweet little pup who provided cuddles and comfort as she navigated the hills and valleys of life. And with Bob by her side, Nancy relished the peace and quiet of nature while camping and fishing, and reveled in the lively camaraderie of rooting for their favorite sports teams, the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and the University of Michigan “Wolverines”.
The most meaningful legacies are not measured by possessions or titles, but by the lives we touch and the love we leave behind. And in this time of grief, Nancy’s life offers a powerful reminder that God’s love is greater than our sorrow. As written in 1 John 4:16: “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” May those who mourn her be comforted by the knowledge that a life lived in Christ is never lost, and that her memory will continue to inspire moments of joy, creativity, fellowship, and a commitment to serve others with love and kindness.
A memorial service will take place on Wednesday, June 17th at 11:00am at Beechwood Church, 895 Ottawa Beach Rd., Holland. A one-hour visitation will take place prior to the service starting at 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
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