Nancy had a unique “SPARK” for life. A beautiful woman, loving mom, grandmother, great grandmother, wife and friend loved for her deeply caring, giving and welcoming spirit and sassy ways. Friends shared that she “never met a stranger” and always made them feel that they “belonged”.

Born in Flandreau, So. Dak. Two weeks after graduating from Larchwood High School in Iowa, she went to airline school at the Gale Institute in Minneapolis and was immediately hired by Delta Airlines and moved to Chicago, 1959. As an only child, her parents Helen and Peter Lickteig, made moving home irresistible and she moved back to Sioux Falls and worked for Graph Motors and Braniff Airlines. Her love of the airline business continued to grow and it led her to move and live in Sioux City, Dallas and Kansas City. Following her love, Eddie Bauer, she moved to Aurora, CO where she resided for 56 years. After heading west, she worked for Columbia Records and Continental Airlines until an opportunity with Western Airlines lured her away, rounding out an incredible 41+ year career in the airline industry, retiring May, 2000 from Delta.

She had one daughter, Tamila Bauer; 3 stepdaughters; 3 grandkids and 3 great grandkids; companion, Larry Rice and half-brother, Roger Wilkison. Her husband, Eddie, passed in December 2006.

Nancy always made a house a home. If there was anyone who didn’t have a place to share a holiday, her door was always open and an extra plate was set on the table. She had a passion and talent to entertain and threw incredible parties.

She treasured her close friends and the anticipation of seeing them brought her great joy. Friday night fun was one of her favorites. Scouting the weekly location based on their favorite band was easy. She had style - along with always being beautifully dressed and fully accessorized, a shot of fireball and a beer got the night started and the dancing began. She always left with a wave and “we’ll do it again next week”.

Nancy loved to gamble - some days better than others - either through a trip “up the hill” to Black Hawk or to Vegas, Reno, or Laughlin. Travel was also a love - Hawaii, Mexico, and to visit family in So. Dakota were a few of her favorite frequented destinations. Playing snowbird for a winter season in Florence, AZ and all the new friends she made was one of her most memorable longer adventures.

Growing up on a farm, gardening was always a passion of hers. During treatment, her garden was prepped and a circle of friends planted roots, giving everyone an excuse to stop by anytime to check in on her and their upcoming harvest. She enjoyed canning and treating friends to her homemade goodness.

She attracted many furry friends, a few officially adopted and many randomly adopted her. Peppy, her beloved 14-year-old poodle, passed last year. In addition, her backyard was full of critters from raccoons to skunks, squirrels, birds, and cats lingering about. All were welcomed and well-fed.

She was a long-time member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, as well as the Elks, where she volunteered to work many charitable functions.

With an unending twinkle in her eye, willingness to jump in where needed, her motto was to enjoy life and keep D-A-N-C-I-N-G.

Her shine and ever-loving spirit live on in each person fortunate to have been touched by her heart.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nancy’s name may be made to the Denver Dumb Friends League, where several of her beloved fur-babies came from.

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