Carole J. Nahnsen

Carole Joyce (Herbold) Nahnsen was born July 4, 1935 in Chicago, IL to parents: Rosa and George Herbold. Carole was washed in the baptismal waters at St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Chicago on July 28, 1935 and Confirmed her faith April 10, 1949. Carole went home to be with Jesus on April 28, 2013 in Springfield, Illinois.

After attending St Paul Lutheran School she went on to Luther Institute in Chicago for high school. Carole began her college studies at Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, IL where she met her future husband, Thomas Nahnsen.

Tom and Carole married August 14, 1954 in a double wedding with her brother, Glen and his wife Carol.

Since Tom served in the Lutheran teaching ministry, the Lord took them to: Ohio, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and finally to Springfield, IL. Tom and Carole retired to their long-time dream hobby farm at the Weathered Wren in Pleasant Plains, IL where they lived until just recently.

Tom and Carole were blessed with three children: Pamela Joyce (Nahnsen) Beltz, Timothy Carl Nahnsen and Jenifer Rose (Nahnsen) Zimmer. They were also blessed with 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Glenn and his children; Randy, Rick, Rob and Carenn.

Carole was a fabulous designer, artist, and florist. Highly creative and extremely knowledgeable about plants and flowers, Carole could turn an old boot into a flower pot, identify any plant in a garden or turn a birdhouse into a classic-looking church building. She has passed her artistic creativity and love for gardening on to future generations.

While passionate about gardening, art, and cooking, Carole’s greatest passion was for family. Her gentle heart and loving smile, was a welcomed gift to receive. Whether making ‘Smores at family camp or whipping up a batch of kolache’s in her kitchen, whether working in the garden or teaching her grandchildren how to sew a button on, Carole was always quick to smile and extend a spirit of Grace. She knew God’s love and extended His love to others. She has also passed this love for Jesus on to future generations.

Whether she was: “Carole,” “Wife,” “Sister,” “Mom,” “Grandma,” “Aunt Carole,” or “friend” many miss her deeply. Carole’s Confirmation verse brought her hope here on earth and these words turn our mourning into hope as well: “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my words and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24.

A memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sherman, Illinois where she was a member for many years, at 11:00 am on Thursday May 2, 2013. The family will greet friends following the service at the church. A private internment for the family will be held on May 3, 2013.

In lieu of flowers, those that wish may direct Gifts or Memorials to: Lutheran High School, 3500 West Washington St. Springfield, Illinois, 62711-7922

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home West 217-544-5424