Nancy Decock

Nancy’s service will be livestreamed below starting at 5:00 PM Sunday, August 16, 2026 and 10:00 AM Monday, August 17, 2026:

Funeral Mass:

Prayer Service:

Nancy Kay DeCock (née Espe), 74, of Fargo, ND, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 11, 2026, in Fargo, ND.

Nancy was born on March 6, 1952, in Mahnomen, MN, to Orval and Beatrice Espe, the youngest of their six children. She was of full Norwegian descent and carried that heritage with pride throughout her life.

As a young woman, Nancy was athletic and full of energy, competing in hurdles and basketball, and later enjoying bowling. Her love of activity and friendly competition remained with her throughout her life.

On June 1, 1974, Nancy married the love of her life, David DeCock, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mahnomen, MN. Prior to their marriage, Nancy converted to Catholicism, a faith that would become central to her life. She was a longtime and devoted parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Fargo, ND, where her faith and community were a source of great comfort and joy.

Nancy had a deep love of travel and adventure, exploring the world together with her husband, siblings, and family. Her journeys took her to Germany, Hawaii, Norway, Japan, and to many of the national parks across the United States, creating cherished memories along the way. Closer to home, she enjoyed the time spent fishing with her brother Harold on McCraney Lake, a simple joy that brought her much peace and happiness.

Nancy was a woman of many talents and creative passions. She enjoyed woodcarving, photography, and needlecrafts, and took special care in handcrafting rosaries, a reflection of her deep faith. In quieter moments, she loved settling in to watch a good mystery.

Nancy is survived by her husband, David DeCock; her children, Laura (Robert) Schmaltz, Andrew (Lizzie) DeCock, Christopher (Rosie) DeCock, and David DeCock; her siblings, Betty Aanerud and Harold Espe; and her grandchildren, Samantha (Chet) Sartell, Trip Schmaltz, Missy Schmaltz, Rachel Schmaltz, Quorra Schmaltz, Jimmy Schmaltz, Lauren Schmaltz, Joey DeCock, Tessie DeCock, Paul DeCock, Mary DeCock, and Lucy DeCock. She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Abraham, Levi, and Samuel Sartell, who brought her immense joy.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Orval and Beatrice Espe; her siblings, Janice Cox, Shirley Hedstrom, and Orin Espe; and her grandchild, Thomas Schmaltz.

Nancy will be remembered for her deep faith, her adventurous spirit, her creative hands, and her devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the center of her heart.