Nancy Edmonds
May 24, 1950 - September 16, 2022
Obituary
On September 16, 2022, at the age of 72, Nancy Edmonds went home to heaven, surrounded by her loving family, after battling a long illness.
Nancy was born on May 24, 1950, in Streator, IL. She was the first daughter of five siblings of Martin and Marilyn (Lorey) Nimke. Nan was a 1968 graduate and valedictorian of Woodland High School. She went on to receive degrees in music and teaching from Southern Illinois University and the University of Illinois.
During her life in Streator, she was most fondly known for her presence on the stage at Engle Lane Theater. She was involved in 68 performances—enjoying the lead role in many of them—receiving many honorary awards from 1968 to 2005. It was a loving second home and extended family. Nan was a talented singer, active in choir, at weddings, parties, and the 50's/60's band at her beloved St. Paul's Lutheran Church. She was also well known for her superior customer service at First State Bank.
She was a loving mom to Nichole and Matthew and married Joe Dzurisin at St. Paul's in 1968. He preceded her in death. Nan reconnected with lifelong friend Allen Edmonds whom she met during St. Paul's confirmation days. Over the years their friendship grew and the two fell in love. They married in 2005 at St. Paul's. Shortly after, Nan moved with Allen to Billings, MT, where she has lived for the past 18 years.
Nan loved her time at the cabin on the ranch in rural Billings. She loved time with family and the peace and serenity of country life. She loved all her critters, especially her dog Skeeter who joined her in doing chores. Nan excelled in the art of splitting and stacking firewood and quickly realized she was a true country girl at heart.
In Billings, she continued in the performing arts with Venture Theatre, performing in four major productions before finally retiring. Nan also ministered to the community and at the women's prison. Her group, The Bobby Socks, was renowned for “rocking for Jesus”. The 50's and 60's music, classical, show tunes, church hymns, and George Strait songs were always her favorites to sing for all to hear. Nan could bring a smile to anyone's face, no matter the circumstance. She was incredibly loving and happy to share the Word of God with anyone who would listen.
Nan is preceded in death by her parents, Marilyn and Martin Nimke; husband, Joe Dzurisin; and eldest brother, Marti (Pat) Nimke.
Nan is survived by her husband and soulmate, Allen Edmonds; children, Nichole Keesee of Streator, Matthew (Amy) Hastings of Plainfield, and D.R. (Samantha) Edmonds of Los Angeles, CA. She is also survived by siblings, Karle (Barbara) Nimke, of Coeur d'Alene, ID, Jenifer (Jack) Knudtson of Ottawa, and Fred Nimke of Streator. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Reinier, of Streator; Mason, Tannon, and Nadia of Plainfield. She has numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great-nephews who loved her dearly.
A celebration of life is planned for October 22, 2022, at Bethany Church in Billings, MT, with an additional celebration of life at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Streator, IL on November 5th.
As Nan and Allen said daily, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24d: And sing, “There's something about that name.”