Nanke was born in Schirum, Ostfriesland, Germany to Frerish Albets Lienemann and his wife Gesche Margareta Focken Muller. Her sister was Seetje Lienemann Saathoff.

Nanke was first married to Suntke Janssen, in Schirum. She and Suntke had two sons Johann and Frerich Janssen. Suntke died in 1887.

Nanke Lienemann Johnson Wycoff is buried at the cemetery in Rich Hill, MO. Henry Wycoff was her second husband.