Nancy Louise (Koontz) Kirsch, 66, of Austin passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, in the early morning hours at her home.

Nancy was born Dec. 4, 1951, in Northfield to Roy and Marie (Stangl) Koontz. The family moved to Austin, where she graduated from Austin High School in 1970. She was married to Chester Iverson for 16 years. Together they shared three children. On Aug. 4, 2005, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Chuck Kirsch.

Nancy received a kidney transplant from her brother, William Koontz, on May 4, 2013. In March 2017, she retired from Hormel after 25 years. Nancy adored her dogs, enjoyed going to flea markets and garage sales, and, as of most recently, loved going to the camper. She was a very caring and loving woman who enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 13 years, Chuck Kirsch of Austin; her children Kris Iverson (Tom Kleinshrodt), Paul Iverson and Ryan Iverson, all of Austin; stepchildren Heather (Bruce) Johnston of Arizona, Shawn (Lena) Kirsch of Woodbury, Troy (Sara) Kirsch of Duluth and Kyle Kirsch (Sandie Walker) of Duluth; brothers Ronald Koontz of Austin, Jerry Koontz of Brooklyn Park and William Koontz of Winona; brother-in-law, Tom (Carolyn) Kirsch, of Albert Lea; mother-in-law, Dorothy Kirsch, of Albert Lea; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Marie Koontz; siblings Janet (Koontz) Jensen, Larry Koontz and Patricia (Koontz) Waletzki; nephews Daniel Waletzki and Chris Koontz; and granddaughter, Destanee Miks.

Just as Nancy had received an organ donation, she wanted to do the same for others; hence, she became a designated organ and anatomical donor at Mayo Clinic.

As per Nancy’s wishes, there will be a celebration of life from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at River Oaks Event Center, 3700 11th Place NE in Austin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester.