Oct. 22, 1931 — Jan. 11, 2016

Nancy Rachel Fester, 84, of Dowagiac, died Monday, Jan. 11, 2016 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, 603 McCleary St., Dowagiac, MI with Pastor Jeff Weber officiating.  Friends may visit with the family from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday evening at Clark Chapel, 405 Center Street, Dowagiac, MI  49047.  Memorial donations may be made to Hospice at Home.  Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of Nancy online may do so at www.clarkch.com.

Nancy was born Oct. 22, 1931, in Volinia Township, MI to Dana and Eva (Hull) Gard.  She married Edward Fester on Feb. 4, 1956, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dowagiac. Nancy retired from Sundstrand after 30 years of employment.  She enjoyed bowling, playing cards, taking her children to the beach and sunbathing.  She was a devoted Tigers fan.  Most importantly, she enjoyed time with her family
and friends.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband Edward, three children; Dana Walker, David Fester and Joni Fester all of Dowagiac, eight grandchildren; Amy Walker and Tony Walker of Dowagiac, Alana (Johnny) Barone of Kalamazoo, Anna Fester of Chicago, Ryan Fester of Dowagiac, Randi Taggart of Dowagiac, Tyler Taggart of Detroit and Braxton Taggart of Portage; seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind two sisters; Ruth McDonald of Dowagiac and Frances Moroz of Niles and one brother, James Gard of Marcellus. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Ronald Fester; a granddaughter Kara Fester; one sister, Donna Schott and two brothers, Jack Gard and Kenneth Gard.