Obituary
Nancy A. Tolvstad
Nancy A. Tolvstad was born February 9, 1931 in La Crosse, WI to Howard L. and Nellie (Dahlby) Westerhouse and was a lifelong Onalaska resident. From a young age she was an accomplished singer. She sang in the Onalaska Methodist Church choir, the Onalaska High School choir and sang at many weddings and funerals. In 1949 she began her 20 year career at State Bank of La Crosse as bookkeeper and head teller. On August 24, 1953 she married Wallace L. Tolvstad and they had two children, Carol and John. Wally died in 1982. One of Nancy’s greatest accomplishments was compiling the history of Onalaska in newspaper extractions and photographs as well as personal recollections. She loved the “old Onalaska” that she grew up in. In 2015 she was given the Outstanding Historian Award by the Onalaska Area Historical Society and a Proclamation was made by Onalaska’s Mayor making March 10, 2015 Nancy Tolvstad Day. The OAHS named Nancy Person of the Year in 2017.
Nancy passed away at SpringBrook Assisted Living Memory Care in Onalaska on September 3, 2025.
She is survived by her daughter, Carol Krogan and her husband Bryan as well as her son John; her sister, Barbara Thompson of South Dakota and a niece and nephew and their families. Nancy is also survived by her good friend, Lois Riniker.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025 at The Gathering Place located at 133 Mason St, Onalaska, WI. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Lunch will follow. Memorials are preferred as her family will direct them to Nancy’s favorite charity. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
On behalf of my late husband Frank (“Mick”) Pooler and myself, I can say we deeply honor the memory of dear Nancy Tolvstad. My husband loved and adored her so much and deeply cherished his friendship with her. He will now be thrilled to spend time with dear Nancy in Heaven as they resume reminiscing about Onalaska. Rest in peace, Nancy. and please say HI to my husband Frank “Mick”).
With love and gratitude,
Rhonda Sandberg-Pooler
I sat on the Onalaska Cemetery Committee with Nancy and have known her for many years, largely through the Onalaska United Methodist Church of my childhood. Nancy was a beautiful, gifted singer. I believe she sang at the funerals of at least two of my relatives.
Nancy was also a hard-working local historian who had a deep insight in the history of her hometown, Onalaska, Wisconsin.
She was a kind, thoughtful person who could carry on a conversation with anyone. Nancy will be very much missed by her friends. She will rest near that beautiful, all important eastern edge of Onalaska Cemetery.
My condolences to Nancy’s family and friends on her passing to eternal life. I count her as a long time friend and distant relative. Especially in the early years beginning in the 1950s at church and community.
We sang in the same choirs and musical productions.
It’s been quite some time since we’ve communicated, but through the years we conversed in person or through the internet about family relationships and Onalaska history.
Her efforts to record and archive so much historical information will be cherished by many for all time.
RIP, and sing with that lovely soprano voice among the Heavenly angels Nancy ❤️🙏🕊️
Thanks for the kind words, Doug.
Carol & family
I really enjoyed caring for her, she always made sure to compliment me and to play grandma by asking me if I’m getting enough rest. May she rest in peace
So sorry Carol for the loss of your Mom. Thinking of you and your family 🙏