Nancy Anna Bundza

Nancy Anna Bundza, age 74, of Bay City, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, in the comfort of her home with her family at her side. Nancy was born on October 19, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of George and Mary (Scully) Mangiaracina. She was raised in Chicago, where she attended St. Benedict’s Parochial School, elementary and high school. Wayne took Nancy to her Senior prom in 1968. Wayne enlisted to serve our country with the intent of marrying Nancy after he returned from the service.

In 1972, after Wayne’s service in the Vietnam War with the Air Force was complete, Wayne and Nancy courted again, then united in marriage at St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Chicago on May 24, 1974. Wayne and Nancy enjoyed many events with the Mangiaracina family including smelt fishing, park picnics and holiday parties.

Nancy began her career with the Chicago Police Department, where she worked for several years, advancing from clerk to secretary to the Director. She oversaw the Evidence and Recovered Property Division of the department and was awarded their highest civilian recognition of Honorable Mention. After careful consideration, she retired from the police department to focus on raising their newly welcomed children: Wayne Jr.; then later Natalie, and Nicole.

Wayne and Nancy loved taking their young family on camping trips to Yogi Bear resorts, Sun Rise Lodge on Lac Vieux Desert, and Rhinelander Lake homes, enjoying campfires with pudgy pies, swimming and a little fishing, leaving a lasting impression on the kids. In later years, our family enjoyed fun-filled vacations to destinations such as Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore, the Ozarks, and Cabo San Lucas.

Nancy rarely missed any of her children’s school sporting events. She loved every part of being a mom. Nancy became an excellent cook with her mother as her mentor and teacher — especially when preparing an Italian feast; pastas, home-made sauce, braided bread crosses and meat buns.

When she wasn’t home tending to her family, you could often find Nancy at a garage sale, always keeping an eye out for a treasure she “just couldn’t live without.” She loved listening to the Golden Oldies and laughter when the family gathered to play cards — favorites like I-Buy, Gin Rummy and 7 and 1/2. Nancy also had a gift for making dolls and sewing, making several different crafts. She had a special place in her heart for dogs. In fact, she was something of a rescuer, often bringing home strays to join the family by surprise.

One constant in Nancy’s life was her devotion to her faith. She and Wayne raised their children in a Christian home, where life events were centered around faith and being good ambassadors of Christ.

Nancy will leave a void, but will also be fondly remembered by her husband, Wayne; children Wayne Jr. (Michelle) Bundza of Salem, WI, Natalie (Doug) Kranig of Prescott, and Nicole Bundza of Somers, WI; grandchildren Nicholas, Joshua, Wyatt, Ethan, and Courtney; brother Tony (Evelyn) Mangiaracina of Chicago; sister Regina Mangiaracina of Kenosha; brother-in-law Dave Schulz; and sister-in-law Christine Mangiaracina; as well as her nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; two stillborn children; and siblings Kathy Schulz and George Mangiaracina Jr.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 3rd, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 225 South Third Street, River Falls, WI 54022. Mass of Christian Burial for Nancy Bundza will be held at 12:00 PM (noon) on Saturday, October 4th, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, 211 East Division Street, River Falls, WI 54022. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the mass at St. Bridget’s Saturday morning. To view the livestream, please follow this link ---> Nancy Bundza Livestream. Burial will follow at Pine Glen Cemetery in Prescott and luncheon will be announced at the service.

Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family and will be used to further Nancy’s passions in life. Funeral services have been entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Homes.