Nyma Jean (Hanson) Larkee, Age 92, of Waupaca WI., passed away October 30th, 2026. She was the daughter of John and Margaret Hanson. Nyma graduated from Waupaca High School in 1952. She married Charles Larkee in 1953 and remained together for 62 years until Charles passed in 2015. Nyma and Charles had 4 children, Darrell (passed away in 1984), David, Dale and Dawn.
Nyma loved to tell her stories of growing up on a small farm. One of her favorite things to do was to sneak away to her lone pine hill on the property, watch the animals, read and plan new adventures. When she grew up, she met a man returning home after completing his time in the US Army. As the story goes Nyma and other friends received a ride to Radtke Lanes with one of the girl's boyfriends. Unfortunately, the return ride home didn't work out. That's when Nyma summoned enough courage to ask Charles Larkee if he could give her and her friends a ride back to Waupaca. Being the gentleman that he was, he agreed as long as he could drop Nyma off last. That was the start of a relationship that went on for another 60 plus years.
Nyma married into the Carnival business (Tip Top Shows) started by Marvin Larkee, the father of Charles Larkee (That folks is a biography that still needs to be written). Nyma worked in several different food stands over the years. Travelling to various county fairs and celebrations throughout the state of Wisconsin and beyond. She did all this while raising her four children, the 4 D's, Darrell (Kip), David, Dale and Dawn.
Nyma thoroughly enjoyed her retirement from the Carnival business. She had so many passions and dreams. She had 2 green thumbs and surrounded her home with beautiful flower beds and would welcome those that passed by to stop and take a look. This led her to becoming a member of the Waupaca Garden Club.
She had a great passion for history. With her computer as her research partner she wrote up the history of her church, the First United Methodist church of Waupaca. She was also involved in the Heifer mission project. There were other projects with one of her favorites being the Appalachian Service Project. Really getting her hands dirty repairing homes and working with the youth in the area. She became a member of the Waupaca Historical Society and worked as a docent. She would sew her own Victorian outfits to play the part. This initiated her love for vintage women's hats. As her collection and knowledge grew, she took her show on the road attending tea parties and church socials. She received an assist from husband Charles who was always thankful that it was a hat show and not a rock show.
She loved to travel and could not get enough. One of her favorites was being a chaperon for her grandson Eric's trip to Germany. Her and Charles enjoyed their many train rides around the country.
Nyma was the best cook and baker and loved to make cutout cookies with the family. She enjoyed sewing and quilting and making Christmas gifts for everyone. Most of all she loved her family and holding onto all those grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law Jill (Doug) Hiroskey, Neenah, WI, son David (Kim), Waupaca, WI, son Dale (Linda), Arvada, CO, daughter Dawn (John) Omit, Weyauwega, WI, brother Doug (Diana) Hanson, Waupaca, WI, sisters-in-law Janet (Gary) Pope, Westfield, WI, Jean Larkee, Superior, WI., Barb Larkee, Riverview, FL, and many nieces and nephews. Grandchildren: Eric, Jason, Adam, Jennifer, Cristofer, Jacob and Melissa. Great Grandchildren: Zoelle, Arian, Brewer, Miller, Charlie, Evelyn, Elayna, Elise, Daryl, Christian, Aidan, Gracie, Ellie, Tillie, Dottie, Bettie, Levi, Allison and Lainey. Great Great Grandchildren: Jacelynn.
Thank You to Park Vista and to Kelly and her nursing staff for providing compassionate care for Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma during her time at Park Vista. Thank you, Bristol Hospice, as well.
The Funeral Service at will be held at First United Methodist Church in Waupaca at 11 AM on Saturday, November 7th, 2026, with Reverend Hyunwoong Hwang, officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4 until 8 PM at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca and on Saturday, from 10 AM until the time of the service at the church.
