Nancy E. “Zel” Straka, age 68, of Spring Grove, formerly of Waukegan and Johnsburg, died suddenly at her residence on Thursday, December 12, 2019. Zel was born in Waukegan on April 25, 1951 to John and Elizabeth (Sharvin) Gerzel. On September 1, 2006, she married her best friend, Terry Straka. Zel was a 1969 graduate of Waukegan High School. For over 30 years, Zel was a valued employee at Advocate Condell Hospital, where she served as a dedicated administrative assistant. She formed many friendships through the years with her collogues. Before retiring, she served for 5 years at Vista Medical Center. Zel had a great love of animals, especially dogs. She also enjoyed her country lifestyle which allowed her to rescue dogs from Wagging Hearts in Grayslake. Zel was a very loving wife and mother, who selflessly devoted her life to her family, and friends, especially the four-legged ones. Zel is survived by her loving husband of 13 years, Terry; two sons, Erik Leonard, John “J.R.” Leonard; former husband, Robert Leonard; two sisters, Margie (Ron) Riedel, Gerry (Mike) Kelly; brother-in-law, Dr.Timothy (Dr.Carol) Straka; sisters-in-law, Tracy (Jerry) Carney, Toni (the late Nick) Accettura, Tina (Todd) Wysocki, Vivian Straka; many nieces and nephews; and her special friend, Girta. In addition to her parents, Zel was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Peter (Nancy) Straka, Dr. Thomas Straka, Nick Accettura; sister-in-law, Tammy Straka; and Harrison, adopted from Save-A-Pet, along with Macho. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2019 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Thompson Spring Grove Funeral Home, 8103 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove, IL 60081. Visitation will resume Friday, December 20, 2019 at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the 10 a.m. prayers. The funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. at St. Peters Catholic Church, 2118 Main Street, Spring Grove, IL 60081. Inurnment will take place privately. Zel's family suggests memorials to Wagging Hearts at www.wagginghearts.org; Save-A-Pet at www.saveapetil.org; or to your favorite animal shelter/rescue of your choice; per Zel's specific request instead of flowers. To send an online condolence to the family of Nancy, please visit our Tribute Store. For information, please call the funeral home 815-675-0550.