Peggy Irene (Nelson) Goggins, age 67, of Waupaca, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Born in Waupaca to the late Helen and Harold Nelson, Peggy lived a life defined by love, selflessness, and an unwavering devotion to her family.
Peggy was an extraordinary mother, a role she embraced with her whole heart and soul. To her four sons: Shawn (Julia), Sheldon (Kelsey), Shane (Kiley), and Tyler (Haley), she was a constant source of strength, wisdom, and unconditional love. She raised them with a rare blend of tenderness and resilience, teaching them the value of hard work, compassion, and family through her own example. Whether she was cheering them on from the sidelines, sharing stories of her hunting adventures, or simply gathering them around her for a quiet moment, Peggy’s nurturing spirit left an indelible mark on their lives. Her pride in her sons extended to her beloved grandchildren: Jace, Kayleigh, Liam, Madelyn, Evelyn, Olivia, and Maddox, whom she adored with a grandmother’s boundless love.
Beyond her remarkable motherhood, Peggy was a wife to Kevin, cherished sister to Rick Nelson, Julie (Gaylon) Bucholtz, Curt Nelson, and Bonnie Mitchell and a caring friend to many, especially her dear friend Sally Belt-Mattes. Her generous spirit shone brightly in all she did, she was the kind of person who always put others first, offering a listening ear, a helping hand, or a warm smile.
Professionally, she brought that same care to her work as a dental hygienist for Dr. Twohig and as an optometrist assistant for Dr. Brueckner, where her patients knew her as both skilled and kind.
Peggy’s departure leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her legacy of love and selflessness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be dearly missed by her husband, siblings, sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, her friend Sally Belt-Mattes, and the countless lives she touched.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Haley Goggins and the ThedaCare oncology staff for their compassionate care and support during Peggy’s journey. A funeral service to celebrate Peggy’s life will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Maple Crest Funeral Home in Waupaca. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. and continue until the time of the service, offering an opportunity for family and friends to gather and honor a truly incredible person.
