Nancy M. Schriefer Zachgo, 87, of rural Onarga, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital in Kankakee with her loving family by her side. She was born the daughter of Nan Johnson Schriefer and Alfred Schriefer of Gilman on August 26, 1938 in Watseka.
Nancy attended Gilman Grade School and was a 1956 graduate of Gilman High School. She married Rolland E. Zachgo on August 4, 1957 in Gilman. Rolland preceded her in death on August 9, 2022.
Surviving are four children, Derhonda (Doug) Blair, Tamara (Tim) Hamilton, Darin (Virginia) Zachgo, and Dana (Amy Adams) Zachgo; also 16 grand and step grandchildren; and 34 great grand and step great grandchildren. Also surviving are one brother and sister-in-law, Ryland and Carol Schriefer; three sisters-in-law and 2 brothers-in-law, Harry and Virginia Mogged, Charlotte Johnson, and Ron and Sylvia Herr. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
Deceased are one brother, Myron Schriefer and one brother-in-law, Gus Johnson.
Along with raising four children and managing farm records, Nancy worked at the Gilman Public Library and was a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. Nancy enjoyed reading, camping, boating, painting, and loved spending time with her family. She was always happy to help in any way she could and was a wonderful story teller. Nancy was a life long member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman where she served on the church council numerous terms, was a member of the alter guild, and the Prayer and Faith Circle.
Visitation will be on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 2: 30 p.m. and a funeral service will then begin at 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 116 N. Thomas St., Gilman. Rev. Chris Schoon and Rev. Rich Johnson will officiate. Burial will follow at the Gilman Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Gilman Fire, St Paul Lutheran Church, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Please share a memory of Nancy at knappfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.
