Sonya Marlene Nanstad

Sonya Marlene Nanstad (née Goad), 80, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, October 14, 2024. Sonya was born on November 7, 1943, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, to Idelle and Robert Goad. She grew up in Richland Center alongside her siblings Robert, Karen, Mark, and Julie.

A vibrant presence from an early age, Sonya was a cheerleader in high school and known for her many friendships. It was during those years she met her high school sweetheart, Randy Kent Nanstad, who would become her devoted husband. Randy graduated in 1960 and went on to attend West Point Military Academy. Sonya, after graduating high school in 1961, pursued college in California at Foothill College, where she also worked as a nanny. Their love brought her to New York, where she worked at a bank while Randy completed his studies at West Point. They married in 1964, beginning a life filled with love, adventure, and family.

In 1974, Sonya and Randy settled in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where Randy began his career at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Sonya continued to pursue her education and passions. She earned an associate degree from Roane State Community College and later graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a bachelor's degree.

Sonya's life was a testament to creativity and a passion for the arts. She was a talented actress, performing in many productions at the Oak Ridge Playhouse, a skilled stained glass artist, and a painter. She and her daughter Rachel founded "Botanical Beauties," a small business that showcased Sonya’s artistic touch through stunning works made from dried flowers. Her gift for writing led her to chronicle family travels with humor and insight, and she even published a book of stories and poems.

Beyond her artistic talents, Sonya had a profound empathy and deep care for others, which she channeled into her work as a social worker in the Oak Ridge community. Her curiosity about the human experience and love of learning were lifelong traits, and she was especially interested in psychology and the resilience of people facing challenges.

Sonya also had a great love for music and theatre. She enjoyed frequent trips to New York to experience Broadway productions, particularly musicals, and she passed on her appreciation of music to her children and grandchildren. In many ways, her love for the arts and music is part of the legacy she leaves behind.

Sonya’s kindness, generosity, and empathy touched many lives. Her ability to connect with people and offer support will be remembered by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Idelle and Robert Goad, her sister Karen, and her beloved husband, Randy Kent Nanstad. She is survived by her three children, David Scott Nanstad, Lisa Dawn Nanstad, and Rachel Diane Nanstad; her grandchildren, Henry, Benjamin, and Lukas; and her siblings Robert, Julie, and Mark.

A public memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, located at 9076 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sonya’s name to Cure Epilepsy (www.cureepilepsy.org).

“If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life. For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.” – Kahlil Gibran