Obituary of Gilbert Richard Nanninga

Gilbert Richard Nanninga, aged 97, passed away Thursday, July 15, 2021 in Camdenton, Missouri after living a long and healthy life.  Gilbert was born, the fourth of seven children, on June 7, 1924 in Pekin, Illinois to Henrietta (Manhusen) and Conrad F. Nanninga.  Gil was an earnest boy and a hard worker.  He talked often of growing up in Flanagan and delivering newspapers, mowing lawns and doing chores to help his folks during the Great Depression of that era.  He said his family was poor but never knew it.

 

He enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving from 1941 to 1946 as a Paymaster Sergeant.  His brothers also served representing the Army, Navy and Marines during WWII.  After discharge, he lived in Anchorage, Alaska where he was a carpenter by trade.  He met and married Mary Erla Johnston while living there and they started their family.  First Charly, then Sandi, and twins Connie and Ruby after moving to Logan, Utah.  He attended night classes and completed his training as a liscensed electrician while living there and was a 62 year member of IBEW.

 

Gil lived for awhile in Guam doing electrical contract work prior to moving back to Pontiac, Illinois in the 70's.  He worked and was the owner of several rental properties including the “Hacienda Apartments” for many years on Indiana Avenue.  He officially retired in 1987 and moved to Gravois Mills, Missouri where he lived a simple life and had a beautiful view of Lake of the Ozarks.  He enjoyed the peace and solitude of the lake for many years and would take visitors out on his pontoon boat for a tour of the lake.  Gil lived out his last few years in Camdenton, Missouri at Windsor Estates where he was happy and content.  His memories, stories and wit were shared with staff and visitors alike. 

 

He was the last of our family from the “Greatest Generation” and was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Marvin, Robert, Conrad “Connie”, Marilyn Silver, Irma Williams, and Dorothy Sewell.  Four out of five of his children preceded him in death: Connie Butler, Charly Nanninga, Sandi Cole, a stillborn infant daughter and a grandson, Christopher Olsen. He is survived by his daughter Ruby Nanninga, Rollo, Missouri; a grandaughter Amy (Butler) Rivera; grandson Kenneth Butler and many nieces and nephews throughout the U.S.  One of his favorite sayings was “Nothing stays the same”.  He loved to travel and experience new things.  He tinkered and repaired cars and his home until he was well into his 80's.  He suffered from Dementia but held onto the remote past until recently.

 

Cremation arrangements are being handled by Hedges-Scott Funeral Home, Camdenton, Missouri.  He did not want any ceremony or services.  His ashes will be spread at a later date.  The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to Windsor Estates and Lake Regional Hospice for their kind and compassionate care of him.