Nancy S. Davidson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Nancy Davidson.

Nancy Schewe Davidson, beloved wife of Willie G. Davidson, proud mother of Karen, Bill, and Michael, adored Nana of Cara.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, daughter of Amanda and Henry Schewe. Nancy attended Mount Mary University and upon graduating Nancy became an elementary school teacher. In 1957 Nancy married High School sweetheart Bill (later to become known as Willie G) Davidson. It was through this union that Nancy became active in motorcycling and before too long she and Bill were to be seen together at motorcycling events throughout the Midwest. She was a global icon for riders everywhere.

Her passion for adventure included traveling throughout the country- often with Willie and her family all on motorcycles, camping in the beautiful north woods of Wisconsin, snow skiing, she was an enthusiastic fan of all things horses and motorcycle racing. She loved spending time in her garden and cooking for friends and family.

A lifelong commitment to giving included an ongoing association with Muscular Dystrophy Association and various Diabetes charities both with a focus on children’s needs. She was a member and proud President of the Elm Grove Women’s club. Nancy was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame in recognition of her long-term positive impact on the motorcycling community. Traveling together as globally recognized Motorcycling ambassadors, Nancy and Willie attended thousands of charity and customer events including Daytona Bike Week, Sturgis, and many International events. As a brand ambassador, she strengthened the sport of motorcycling for women. Throughout her support efforts for MDA, she helped raise millions to help children.

Her contribution to the growth of Harley-Davidson was evident through the many Dealer rides and Dealer events that she passionately supported. Given her massive contributions over the bulk of her lifetime it is clear why Nancy is widely regarded as the “first lady of motorcycling”. In her later years, Nancy remained committed to children’s education. She put family first above all else. She was famous for her kindness to others. She had enthusiasm for people from all walks of life from all over the globe.

She loved sharing her passion for family, motorcycles. and this country.

She lived a beautiful, adventurous 89 years that gave her glorious stories to share, stories populated by so many that loved her so dearly. The painful sting of loss right now is tempered by her release from suffering, but even the cancer that brought her down was no match for her beauty which radiated through it all, right up to the end.

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin, on Sunday, July 18, from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Additional visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin, on Monday, July 19 at 11:00 AM. Funeral service at 1:00 PM.

Memorials appreciated to The American Cancer Society or The Froedtert Foundation for the Cancer Center.