Nancy Carolyn Gunning, beloved mother, grandmother, "Ninny", sister and friend, passed away
on November 4, 2024, at the age of 84 in Montrose, Iowa. She was born on Christmas Day,
1939, to John R. and Margaret L. Polchow. Nancy attended Keokuk High School in Keokuk, IA.
On New Years Eve, 1957, she was united in marriage to Robert Gunning in Kahoka, Mo. The
two were each other's lifelong companions and friends, sharing 54 wonderful years of marriage.
They were blessed with 5 children, Brian, Gregory, Roberta, Barbara, and Linda.
Nancy lived a full and vibrant life, touching the hearts of all who knew her. She was known for
her kind and generous spirit, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Nancy
enjoyed traveling in the semi with her husband and with Bob's guidance learned how to drive a
big rig! Spending time at the casino, watching and attending NASCAR races with her husband,
playing bingo, watching sporting events of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and
visiting with friends at the local coffee shop kept her very busy! Nancy worked at the Hancock
County Assessment office for 25 years. She continued to work as a township assessor for many
years after her retirement.
Family was the most important thing to Nancy, and she cherished every moment spent with her
children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was devoted to her family, always there to
offer love, support, and guidance. Her legacy of kindness and warmth will live on in the hearts of
her loved ones.
Left to mourn her passing are her children, Brian (Dina) Gunning, Roberta (Keith) Jorgenson,
Barbara (David) VanFleet and Linda (James) Brooks, sisters Joan Orman and Judy Freeman,
grandchildren Josh (Michelle) Gunning, Nathan (Michelle) Gunning, Jason (Raylene) Gunning,
Kayla (Joshua) Gebhardt, Jordan (Laney) Brooks, Kelsey (Dakota) Hicks, Erik Brooks, Dylan
(Jadrien) VanFleet, Blake (Andrea) Jorgenson, Kyle (Liz) Jorgenson and great-grandchildren,
Abbie, Garrett, Avery and Rory Gunning, Jake, Maddi, and Marlee Schulte, Phoebe Freiburger,
Kennedy and Harper Gunning, McKinley and Brantley Gebhardt, Octavius, Solomon, and Bo
Brooks, Liam, Sadie, Maggie and Bailey Hicks, Bryson, Ella, and Nolan VanFleet, and Josie and
Jase Jorgenson.
Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Robert Gunning, parents John and Margaret
Polchow, her son Gregory Gunning, grandson, Jared Monroe, and a very special friend of many
years, Nora "Jean" Twitchell.
A visitation will be held Thursday, November 7th from 5-7 p.m. at Printy Funeral Home in
Carthage, IL. Funeral services to be held on Friday November 8th, 2024, at 11 a.m. with burial
to follow at Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage.
Nancy was a lifelong animal lover, especially her dogs Willis and Ginger. A memorial has been
established at Hearts of Hancock Humane Society in Carthage.
"And to think, the first thing our angel saw when she opened her eyes was the face of Jesus."