Nancy Stoffel, a remarkable woman whose life was defined by compassion, honesty, and unwavering dedication to family, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, surrounded by her loving family. 

Nancy Jean Caster, born on June 12, 1946, in Rochester, NY. Raised in San Diego, CA, Nancy’s formative years were framed by a Catholic education that she cherished until her high school graduation. She pursued vocational training in cosmetology, a skill she honed for many years. Yet, it was not the glamour of styling hair but the calling to nurture troubled youth that revealed her true purpose. 

Finding her passion, Nancy spent numerous years working at Pathfinders Youth Group Home in Thief River Falls. Together with her beloved husband Bob, whom she married on February 5, 1994, in Thief River Falls, they opened their hearts and home, fostering over twenty children including Josh and Gage who remain part of the family to this day.

Nancy was as unique as she was unforgettable. She was direct, honest, with a profound compassion and captivating sense of humor. Nancy would do a soft shoe dance, complete with a flourish that never failed to uplift Bob’s spirits. She had an uncanny intuition about people and their feelings, “Mom just knew!” Family was her universe; nothing mattered more to her than their well-being. Fueled by her passion, she carried a steadfast belief that no one should ever go hungry – a conviction that shaped her generous spirit deeply. Her love extended beyond people to the quiet joy of crocheting and the tender delight of spoiling her beloved dogs, small yet significant passions that enriched her days. These memories and others stand as enduring echoes of her zest for life.

Nancy’s life was intertwined with those she left behind: her loving husband of 32 years, Bob Stoffel of Thief River Falls, MN; her children, Joel (Marsha Basch) Shanahan of Brooklyn Center, MN, John (Titus Harper) Shanahan of Brooklyn Park, MN, Emmy (Eric) Loycano of Maple Plain, MN, Ben (Shannon) Stoffel of South St. Paul, MN, and Chelsey (Caleb Nelson) Shanahan of Thief River Falls, MN; cherished grandchildren Colin, Jaxon, Dominic, Merric, Elijah, Atlas, Elyse, and Harrison; and her brother, Butch Caster of California.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Ronald and Jean (Ebert) Caster; a son in infancy; daughter, Dawn Shanahan; and beloved grandchildren Jordan and Lilyana.Nancy’s farewell will be held at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, located at 105 Knight Avenue North in Thief River Falls, MN 56701. The visitation will begin at 11:15 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 12:15 p.m. on May 22, 2026. 

These moments will serve as a gathering to celebrate a woman whose genuine spirit and devoted heart left an indelible imprint on the lives she touched.Her legacy is that of a fierce protector, a compassionate healer, and a heart that beat strongest when surrounded by family. Nancy Stoffel’s light may have dimmed in this world, but its glow will forever illuminate the souls of those she loved so deeply.