Nancy L. Fortelka, age 79, of Manistee, MI died Tuesday night October 3, 2017 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, MI.

She was born August 23, 1938 on the family farm in Manton, MI daughter of the late Frank & Mildred (Knapp) Harris. She was a graduate of Cadillac High School with the class of 1956. She attended Northwestern Michigan College and received her degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1957.   Nancy married Michael Fortelka at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Cadillac 1958. Together they shared over 59 years of marriage. They moved to Greenville where she was employed as a floor nurse. In 1969, they moved to Manistee where Nancy was selected to be a part of the nursing staff at the inaugural opening of the Critical Care Unit at West Shore Hospital. She practiced nursing at West Shore Hospital for over 30 years.

She was an active member of the Ladies Manistee Benevolent Order of Elks Lodge #250. She was also a member of the Manistee area's Classie Lassie Red Hat Society and belonged to the Happy Owl Book Club. Nancy enjoyed reading, quilting, scrapbooking and garage sales. She loved baking and spending time with her family playing cards, dice and especially Farkle. Nancy was always doing something for somebody else. Her kind and caring heart and motherly instinct extended beyond the love of her family and friends and into the community. She was devoted to the development of Manistee Catholic Schools where she was inducted as a member of the MCC Hall of Fame.

She is survived by her husband Michael Fortelka of Manistee, MI; 1 son & daughter-in-law, Frank & Michelle Fortelka of Flushing, MI; 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Michelle & Donald Hansen of Fennville, MI and Sandra & Charles Ludwig of Manistee, MI; 7 grandchildren, Jessica Lepior, Jason (Amanda) Hansen, Travis, Joshua (Ariel) and Christian Ludwig and Michael (Cassandra) and Sean Fortelka; 6 great-grandchildren one sister, Vicky Abbot of Leesburg, GA. Numerous nieces, nephews and 1 close friend who made their home with the Fortelka family, Michael Holm of Knowxville, TN also survives her.

She was preceded in death by 2 sons, Wayne Fortelka and William (Bill) Fortelka and 2 brothers, Ron Harris and Jim Harris.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place and Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee with Rev. Zeljko Guberovic. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee.

Family and friends will pray the Rosary at 7:30 PM at Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee on Monday evening, where the family will be present to receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM.

Memorials have been established in Nancy's name for Manistee Catholic Central Schools Foundation and Madison School Pre-School Playground Project. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.