Nancy Jean Hale (Tenhagen), 75 of St. Louis, Missouri peacefully passed away on February 14, 2025 surrounded by her husband and children. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. Nancy will be remembered for her willingness to always help those she loved and being there to boost you up in good times and tough times. She put everyone else’s needs before her own no matter who you were or what needed to be done.
Born on June 19, 1949 in Burlington, Wisconsin, Nancy grew up as the oldest daughter to Francis (Fritz) and Rita Tenhagen and has two younger sisters.
On June 14, 1969, Nancy married the love of her life, Kenneth Hale. The two were married over 55 years and spent lots of time exploring garage sales, antique malls and flea markets all over the 100 mile radius of their home and when traveling the United States while visiting family and friends. They enjoyed many parades, hot air balloon races and air shows as their entertainment. All of these events included family or friends going along with them to enjoy the day. But if there was a St. Louis Blues hockey game on tv you would find Nancy staying home to watch the game for the 40 plus years. Their marriage was an inspiration to all that knew them. They have three children, seven grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Nancy spent countless hours working with her husband for the DAV organization as an auxiliary member. They organized and ran weekly bingo charity games each Friday night and she created all the hand made posters and advertising for the events along with many other organization picnics and member events. She was also greatly involved in her children’s school by organizing craft fairs and creating cookbooks for the school PTA while volunteering weekly as the librarian. Once her children were in middle school, Nancy worked in children’s retail becoming assistant manager of a clothing store and then moving on to work for Tin Man Enterprise as a line supervisor. Nancy retired with Ken and they split their time living in Edinburg, TX and their St. Louis home of 50 years.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Kenneth Hale, daughter Jennifer Sansoucie, son Scott (Jen) Hale, daughter Nikki (Jeff) Barbero, as well as her grandchildren Alex (Tammy) Sansoucie, Morgan (Mark) Collins, Jack Hale, Emma Hale, Caleb Barbero, Haley Barbero, Will Barbero, and great grandchildren. Sisters to Donna (John) Jahns and Jayne (Scott) Barry, sister-in-law Paula (Danny) Douglas, Marge Hale and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death, father-in-law and mother-in-law Paul and Freda Hale, brother-in-law Dennis Hale, Ronnie Hale, Terry Hale and sister-in-law Linda Hale.
A celebration of Nancy’s Life will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 at Kutis Funeral Home – 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd.
VISITATION: 10:30am -12:30pm with a SERVICE immediately following at 12:30 pm in the Kutis Chapel. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society-Lung.
My thoughts and prayers for all of you.
I am so sorry for your loss. She will be missed. The family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Thoughts and prayers, fond memories of many family get together, love and prayers to Kenny, kids and all..
A giving soul has left this earth but her generous spirit lives on in all of you, the people she loved so dearly. Thinking of you all.
My condolences to all the family. So sorry for your loss. It was my privilege to call Nancy my friend for over 60 years.
RIP my friend!
Many thoughts & prayers are with the families of Nancy J Tenhagen Hale.
Aunt Nancy, we miss you so much. You are the best. You made all the flower arrangements for our wedding, and that was truly special. I remember you holding CJ when he was a baby, and he was crying. He looked up at you and you calmed him down. It was the sweetest thing. We will always love you, Aunt Nancy. Condolences to Uncle Ken and your family. ♡
Our prayers are with you all, God bless and comfort you!
You are all in my heart and prayers during this time. She will be missed.
So sorry for Nancy’s passing. We will miss her visits to WI. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.
So sorry for your great loss. Nancy was a wonderful and caring friend. She always took time for anyone in need. She had a wonderful life with Ken. Please take care of each other.