Nancy Raye Gilderhus

Nancy Raye Gilderhus of Fort Collins, CO died peacefully on December 19, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents Homer and Lesley Loutzenheiser; sister Jean Mann; and husband Mark Gilderhus. She is survived by daughters Kiki Gilderhus (husband Chris Fisher, daughter Della Fisher) and Lesley Jones (husband Matt, children Jake and Morgan).

Raised in Gothenburg, NE, she graduated from the University of Nebraska. She had a long, successful career as an English teacher in Loveland, CO, first at Bill Reed Middle School and then Thompson Valley High School. She was fiercely intelligent, passionate about books, and she loved literature. Her article "The Art of Storytelling in Leslie Silko's Ceremony" was published in English Journal (1994) and this led to her appearance on NPR's Talk of the Nation to discuss the novel.

Nancy was a joyous, funny presence who valued her family and friends. She was an impeccable hostess and made those around her feel valued and special. As an artist, she created intricate and colorful quilts which expressed her love for the people in her life. She loved her grandchildren, traveling, what she called "good trash" (Judith Krantz, I'm looking at you), Barbara Streisand, the Museum of Modern Art, detective novels, Neal Diamond, Nebraska football, and cooking.

A special thank you to the excellent staff at Centre Avenue Health & Rehab who cared for her.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, January 24, 2026, 4:00pm at Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 West Olive Street, Fort Collins CO 80524.