Nancy Kay Kadletz, 55, of Iron Mountain, Mich., passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 13, 2011, at Hyland Nursing Home, Iron Mountain. She was born August 8, 1956, in DesMoines, Iowa, to Dr. Edward R. and Alice V. Kadletz. Nancy attended Our Lady of Providence (OLP) in Northville, Mich. OLP was run by the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence and enabled developmentally disabled children to reach their highest potential emotionally, physically, and spiritually. In 1970, the Kadletz family moved to Kingsford to be closer to relatives. Nancy attended Roosevelt School in Kingsford. She worked for Trico for many years and also participated in Special Olympics competing in basketball and bowling. She was a member of the Awanas Club and faithfully attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. She loved going to Camp Daniel, listening to music, dancing, Sunday family dinners, getting her paycheck, and being with her friends. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Nancy loved life and lived it to the fullest. Although she was born with Down's Syndrome, she did not want to be treated like she was "handicapped". In fact, she taught us how to be patient and respectful to others with disabilities. Accepting others for who they are and not what we expect them to be. Nancy touched the lives of many people with her smile and was cherished by all that knew her. She will forever be remembered by her devoted mother, Alice Kadletz, Iron Mountain; loving siblings Ed (Cathy) Kadletz, Eden Prairie, Minn., Marty (Leslie) Kadletz, Slinger, Wis., Mary (Bob) Tuomela, Breitung Township, John (Sandy) Kadletz, Kingsford, Amy (Matt) Redlon, Chaska, Minn.; beloved nieces and nephews, Alison Kadletz, Katie, Abby, and Jake Kadletz, Krista and Eric Tuomela, Joshua and Grace Redlon; group home mother of 19 years, Melody McLaren; special friends, Mary Despins, Patty Tipper, Bernie Anderson, Jimmy Marston, and Tommy Pasten. Nancy was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Edward R. Kadletz, paternal grandparents Edward J. and Helen Kadletz of Aurora, Wis., and maternal grandparents Michael and Alice Gardiner of Kingsford. Visitation will be held Friday, November 18, 2011, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain. Prayers will be recited at 10:30 a.m., Friday at the funeral home. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m., Friday at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Rev. Fr. Joseph Gouin will officiate. Entombment will be in Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain. Pallbearers will be Nancy's brothers, brothers-in-law, and nephews. Donations may be made in Nancy's memory to the Dickinson County Chapter of Special Olympics and to Camp Daniel in Athelstane, Wis. You may light a candle in remembrance of Nancy or leave a condolence to her family online at JacobsFuneralHomes.com The Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron Mountain is serving the family.