Winona "Nonie" Marie Dempsay

NORFOLK – Funeral service for Winona M. “Nonie” Dempsay, 93, of Pierce, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk. Rev. Rodney Rixe will be officiating the service. Private family burial will be held at the Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery, Norfolk. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Friday. Nonie passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026 at the Heritage of Bel-Air Nursing Home in Norfolk. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Winona “Nonie” Marie (Clausen) Dempsay was born on June 25, 1933 at home on the farm outside Monowi, NE to Albert and Cora Marie (Young) Clausen. Her sister (and built-in best friend) Ramona “Pal” joined the family in 1935. She was confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Magnet, NE. She attended Magnet High School and graduated in May of 1950 at the age of 16. She was united in marriage to Lyle Dempsay on June 25, 1950. They welcomed Christine in 1951, Kevin in 1955, and Ellen in 1957. Nonie and Lyle were married for 28 years before Lyle passed away in June 1979. After Lyle’s passing, Nonie cared for her parents outside of Pierce before moving into Pierce after Albert’s passing. She later moved to Bel-Air nursing home in 2021. Nonie was loved by anyone who had the privilege to meet her. She was known for her deep compassion for all animals, taking in many pets throughout her life. She had a passion for ceramics, even teaching classes out of her home. She was also very active in the church, with over 50 years of service to the First United Methodist Church in Norfolk. Some of her fondest memories were times she was able to travel and spend time with her sister. She also enjoyed gardening, playing cards, and winning at Bingo. Nonie’s favorite title in life was Grandma. Her grandchildren (and great-grandchildren) were her pride and joy. She enjoyed any time she could get with any of them, usually spoiling them with food. She was known for having a sweet tooth and always offered candy to anyone who visited her. Survivors include her children Kevin Dempsay and Ellen (Chuck) Echternacht; grandchildren Michael (Patty), Sarah, Maggie (Zack), Mandy, Jeremiah, Bobby, Megan, and Daniel; and several great-grandchildren. She will also be missed by all of her extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Albert and Cora Marie, sister Ramona (Pal), husband Lyle, and daughter Christine. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Winona "Nonie" Marie Dempsay

June 25, 1933 - July 13, 2026