Obituary of Nancy Jane Gaul

Nancy Jane Gaul 81, of Palm Bay Florida, formerly of Peoria Heights, Illinois, passed away on October 15, 2021 at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne Florida with her children by her side.

Nancy was born in Peoria, Illinois to Helen Nina VanDusen and Wayne Jennings VanDusen on June 29, 1940. She attended Manual Training High School, graduating in 1958. She was a Baton Twirling Majorette of Manual and head Majorette of the Twirlers. She was crowned Miss Majorette of the Peoria area in 1958.

She worked for Pabst Brewing Company, retiring in 1985 when Pabst Peoria closed. She went on to work for Kenny Johnson Moving and Storage, Jim Hawk Truck and Trailer and Green Chevrolet before fully retiring.
 

Nancy is survived by one son, Darrin Gaul of Palm Bay Florida, one daughter, Rhonda (Darrell) Hadley of Palm Bay Florida, one sister, Charlene Sprout of Farmington Illinois, one brother, James (Carol) Kizzire of Las Vegas Nevada. Five grandchildren; Daniel (Alexis) Gaul of Bartonville Illinois, Trenton Daniel of Peoria, Illinois, Brandy Gaul and her boyfriend Jordan Kellum of Plaquemine, Louisiana, Jacob Hadley of West Peoria, Illinois and Jeremiah Hadley of Missouri; Ten great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving is her life long best friend Bonnilyn Mackoway of Ohio, formally of Peoria.

She was preceded in death by her parents Helen and Wayne VanDusen, two brothers, Don Blair of California and Bill VanDusen of Marqette Heights Illinois, and one sister, Geraldine Clark of Peoria Illinois.
 

Nancy was secretary of the Manual Alumni Banquet for many years. She also was on the Pabst Reunion Committee for 35 years. She was a member of WAABI (Women’s Association of Allied Beverage Industries). She was an avid bowler and bowled on the Women’s Pabst League for many years. Everyone who knew her, also knew her love for Elvis Presley, the St. Louis Cardinals, an ice cold PBR, a fully loaded Bloody Mary, a nice lettuce salad, and Tom Selleck!

Nancy enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, celebrating birthdays and all holidays with New Years Eve, Christmas and St. Patty’s Day being three of her favorites. She was the life of the party and had a hug and a “love ya”, for everyone. Her beautiful smile would brighten up your day, your life, your year.  Nancy was loved by many and was “mom” to lots. She was deeply loved and will be missed dearly.

Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care will be handling cremation arrangements.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW in Peoria Heights, Illinois on November 20, 2021 from 5-10 P.M. Everyone is invited to “bend your elbow” one more time to celebrate Nancy and the beautiful, fun-filled life she lived. And…as Nancy always said “The only way to drink a PBR is in a frozen mug with salt!” Cheers….this ones for you Mom!

Memorial donations may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital of Chicago.