Nancy Lu (Gfall) Hulverson

Nancy Lu (Gfall) Hulverson, 87, of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Durand and Plum City, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, at Abundant Life of Paradise Valley Assisted Living, surrounded by the love of her family.
Nancy was born on March 10, 1939, in Plum City, Wisconsin, to Tom (Karl) and Caurita (Wright) Gfall. She grew up in the close-knit community of Plum City, where her family lived above Tommy’s Tavern, a beloved local establishment owned and operated by her father for 27 years. Those early years helped shape Nancy’s warm, welcoming nature and deep appreciation for family and community.
A proud member of the Plum City High School Class of 1957, Nancy was known for her vibrant spirit and outgoing personality. She served as a cheerleader throughout her high school years, was crowned Prom Queen, and was honored as a member of the Plum City Centennial Celebration Royalty Court in 1957.
One of Nancy’s favorite stories began when she was just 14 years old. While roller skating through the streets of Plum City, she met a young man named Robert “Bob” Hulverson. When Bob asked if she would like to go out sometime, Nancy’s response reflected the values she carried throughout her life: “I’ll have to go home and ask my parents.” That simple encounter blossomed into a remarkable love story that spanned decades.
Nancy and Bob were married on April 19, 1958, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Plum City. After a brief time in Minneapolis, they returned to Wisconsin and settled near the Hulverson family farm. In 1961, they moved to Durand, where together they purchased and operated the East Side Grocery Store. The family lived above the store, where they built both a business and a loving home. After selling the business in 1968, they made their home up the hill in Durand’s City View Addition neighborhood, where they lived and resided there until 2005. Later, they built their dream home on land near the Hulverson family farm outside Plum City, where they lived until 2008. After Bob’s passing in 2008, Nancy moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where she enjoyed many years surrounded by the love and support of her family.
Throughout the years, Nancy contributed to her community in many ways. She worked part-time at the Ben Franklin Store, drove a minibus for the Durand School District, cleaned rooms at the Durand Motel, and worked at Erickson’s Grocery Store. She was also a faithful and active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand, where she volunteered her time and served on the Home and School Association.
Nancy possessed a remarkable gift for creativity and craftsmanship. She loved sewing and spent countless hours making dolls, doll clothes, quilts, costumes, and hats. She also enjoyed embroidering, crocheting, baking, canning, assembling puzzles, and playing cards with family and friends. Whatever she created was made with patience, care, and love, qualities that defined her character.
Nancy loved spending time watching classic old movies and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Sundays during football season were especially meaningful, as she joined her family at Casey Jones Grill in Phoenix, Arizona, to cheer on her beloved Packers.
Nancy is survived by her daughters, Cindy (Eric) Gorsegner, Diane (Bill) Stark, Jane Hulverson, and Linda Hulverson, her son, Tom (Erin) Hulverson; grandchildren Beth (Matt) Klyszeiko, Billy Stark, Deanna (Chris) Riddle, and Matthew (Stephanie) Zumwalt Hulverson; great-grandchildren Ethan and Hailey Klyszeiko, Isabella Riddle, and Madison and Jack Zumwalt; her sister, Patricia Hei, and her brother, Tom (Diane) Gfall.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Hulverson, and her grandson, Bobby Stark.
Nancy’s kindness, resilience, creativity, and unwavering devotion to family touched countless lives. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love, faith, and generosity will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.
The family would also like to thank Royal Hospice for its compassionate care. They treated Mom like a queen.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM prior to Mass at St. John’s Catholic Church in Plum City on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Services will commence at 11:00 AM, with burial in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery immediately following. Family and friends are invited to gather for a reception at Molly’s on Main following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor their memory by donating your time to a local care center or nursing home, bringing companionship and kindness to those in need.
“Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the stories we tell, the traditions we share, and the love they planted in our hearts.”
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.
Condolences may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.