Nancy R. Osmolak, 93, of Burlington, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. She was a remarkably strong woman who met life’s challenges with grace, resilience, and unwavering resolve.
Nancy was born in Chicago to L. Edgar and Helen Poole. She grew up in Chicago before meeting the love of her life, Edward Osmolak. They married on Jan. 7, 1950. Together, they welcomed four children before relocating to Burlington in 1975.
During their 64-year marriage, Nancy and Edward shared a passion for travel and camping. Together, they adventured across the United States, visiting all 50 states, and explored many places abroad. Nancy especially cherished their camping trips, where she created lasting memories with family and friends.
A lifelong lover of the arts, reading, and learning, Nancy was also highly social and community-minded. She shared her passion for the arts during her 15 years as a board member of the Burlington Area Arts Council and as “the picture lady,” starting a masterpiece program at a local school that brought art appreciation to the younger generation.
Nancy was a valued member of the Burlington Woman’s Club for more than 40 years, a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and a lifetime Girl Scout. Her favorite social hours were spent gathering with friends through her many book clubs. Volunteerism was also extremely important to Nancy, and she spent many years volunteering with the Blind Veterans Association and the Apostolate of the Handicapped.
One of Nancy’s greatest personal accomplishments was graduating with honors from UW-Parkside in her 50s. Her love of learning did not end with graduation. She remained active with the university and was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Outstanding Service Award in 2001.
Nancy is survived by her children, Gale (Al) Ahrens and Jeff “OZ” (Debbi) Osmolak, and her daughter-in-law, Alice Osmolak. She was the grandmother of Cori Ahrens, Dan Ahrens, Katie Ahrens, Ryan Osmolak, Megan (Kellen) Beauchesne, Rachel (Brett) Watring, Jonathan (Cassidy) Osmolak, and Joseph Osmolak; and the beloved great-grandmother of Reina, Isabella, Landen, and Lyla.
In keeping with her commitment to helping others, Nancy donated her body to medical science. Her legacy of contribution not only lives on through her donation, but also through her years of participation in the Women’s Health Initiative, which continues to help advance health care for generations of women to come.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Osmolak, and her sons, David and Michael Osmolak.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Aurora at Home Hospice for their kind and compassionate care for Nancy in her final days.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Memorial Mass honoring Nancy on Saturday, Oct. 17, at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Burlington at 10 a.m. A private burial will take place on a different date.
In Nancy’s memory, the family requests that donations be made to VetsRoll or the Burlington Public Library in lieu of flowers.