Nancy Elizabeth Gunther

Born to John & Mary (Krauser) Wolfe on June 23, 1963, in Peoria, Illinois, Nancy Gunther, the youngest and most vibrant member of the Wolfe family, brought warmth and laughter to everyone she met. On November 24, 2023, we said goodbye to a generous woman who shared her huge heart with everyone. She is survived by; the love of her life, Rich Gunther; two sons, Tony (Jana) Gunther, Kyle (Kenzie) Gunther; three grandsons, Max, Lincoln & Zeke Gunther; four siblings, Mike (Eileen) Wolfe, Sharon Wolfe, Kathy (Jim) Lamb, David (Maureen) Wolfe; and numerous nieces and nephews. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents John and Mary (Krauser) Wolfe. Nancy's journey began in a lively household in West Peoria with her four older siblings. Her spunky nature made her the heart of her family, a trait she carried throughout her life. Instead of math or spelling, her early years of school at Academy of Our Lady/Spalding proved that her favorite subject in school was undoubtedly “talking”, leading to frequent visits to the principal’s office. She then attended Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL where she continued to enjoy socializing and making new friends. Nancy’s brief college stint was considered by her father, John, to be the most expensive vacation he'd ever unknowingly funded. In October of 1985, Nancy married the love of her life, Rich, embarking on a 37-year journey filled with love and success. Beyond raising a family, they built a legacy through several small businesses. Rich handled operations while Nancy, the office manager, kept everything running behind the scenes. Together, they raised a family with their two sons, built their dream home and had an open-door policy as a haven for anyone needing a place to be. Nancy was in her happy place at home while fishing, walking with the dogs, mowing acres of grass, putting together her annual “pots”, hosting bonfires and buying takeout for everyone who happened to be at their house that night. Her outgoing personality extended beyond her family to every person she encountered. Nancy never met a stranger, turning chance encounters with employees, waitresses, or random customers into heartfelt conversations and stories she could recount hours later. Quality time with her sisters, Kathy and Sharon, was a cherished pastime, especially during their shopping escapades in Schaumburg. The aisles of Von Maur, Nordstrom Rack, and TJ Maxx became their playground, always concluding with a nightcap at Weber Grill or Cheesecake Factory for appetizers, drinks, and dessert. If Chicagoland was out of reach, Target or Walmart would suffice, with hours spent searching for everything and nothing, followed by a quick visit to Longhorn. Nancy's departure leaves a void, but, as we remember her life, let's celebrate the joy she brought into our lives and carry forward her legacy of love, laughter, and compassion. She may be gone, but her spirit lives on in the memories and hearts of those she touched. Let's celebrate the joy she brought to our lives and honor her memory with a smile, just as she would have wanted. In lieu of flowers, we would like to honor Nancy's passion for animals, the family kindly requests donations in her honor to our local no-kill animal shelter, TAPS. Contributions can be made at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/TAPSshelter or via Venmo @Anthony-Gunther. Tony will coordinate the final donation and share the love with everyone who contributes. There will be a celebration of life held on Saturday, December 2nd, at Industry Brewing, 8012 N Hale Ave, Peoria, IL from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm and is open to anyone who knew her and would like to share a memory or a laugh.

Nancy Elizabeth Gunther

June 23, 1963 - November 24, 2023