Nancy Carius

Nancy Kay Carius, 84, of Moline, IL, passed away at Overlook Village on October 3, 2023.

Nancy Kay Magnuson came into this world on May 29, 1939, the daughter of Carl Ollie & Helen Carlson-Magnuson. Nancy graduated from Moline High School in 1957 and married her high school sweetheart, Tom Carius, on December 6, 1959. Together, they created a rock-solid family, beginning with Mark Thomas (the responsible one), John Karl (the favorite), and finally, the cherry on top, Melinda Susan.

Nancy had a long and accomplished career as a stay-at-home mom who took great pride in her immaculately clean house and children (haha). Together with Tom, she was a 40+ year member of Faith Lutheran Church in Moline, where she was a longstanding volunteer and member. She was on the Memorial and Special Gifts Committee, helped serve at funeral luncheons, and was involved in multiple small group bible studies.

Nancy was a room mother and an avid fan of her children's and grandchildren's sports, academics, theater, musical performances, and basically anything they accomplished. She was so proud!

Nancy's infamous saying was "God Love," and she always sang "Rida Rida Runka" (a Swedish nursery rhyme) to her children, then her grandchildren, which has been passed down to the great-grandchildren. Her special version of "patty cake" was so cute by "rolling the dough" and "sprinkling the sugar" at the end, the little ones always saying, "again, grandma... again."

Nancy's grandchildren affectionately referred to her as "pocket granny," "granny," "matriarch," or "energizer bunny," which she proved to be until her final beautiful breath.

Nancy was born to a Swedish immigrant and loved incorporating her Swedish heritage during family meals and holidays. These traditions have been carried down through her children.

Nancy treasured family vacations to Wisconsin, as she would take notes on things we did or what funny things happened. She was a hoot!

One always knew what she was thinking simply by the expression on her face.

Nancy is survived by her children, Mark (Siri) Carius, John (Pam) Carius, and Melinda (Tony) Loete; grandchildren, Aubree (Josh) Plant, Clayton (Jamie) Carius, David Carius, Marissa Carius (John), Kelsey (Marcus) Martin, Thomas Parrish (Kaylin), Karly Parrish; great-grandchildren Elizabeth, Marvin and Christian Plant and Nolan and Reid Martin; sister-in-law Beverly Carius and several nephews, cousins, and friends: special life-long friends, Lynn Warboy and Lynette Johnson.

Her husband, Tom, her parents, several aunts, uncles, and cousins preceded Nancy in death along with her in-laws, Henry & Virginia Carius; stepmother, Dorine Magnuson and step father-in-law, Rod Hogren; brothers-in-law Billy and Jack Carius, and best friend, Karen (Wilson) House.

Thank you to Overlook Village and their genuinely caring staff of angels. They made her last days so comforting, and the family greatly appreciated their exceptional care. And thank you to Barb Marlin for her continued visits and prayers.

Those who knew our mom knew how loving, funny, and kind she was. We will honor her every day.

Tell Dad "hi," give him a hug and a smooch, and let him know we miss him. We're sure he was waiting for you and wrapped his arms around you, welcoming you home. Your mom, who died when you were just a young, 21-year-old girl, and dad were patiently waiting, and you are now reunited. What a glorious reunion that must've been!!

How fortunate and special it was to have been able to spend these years with you, Mom. Until we see you again, our little God Love...

In good Swedish character, I will end with this Swedish phrase. "Tack sa mycket for allt" - Thank you so much for everything.

A funeral service will be at 11 am, Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Faith Lutheran Church, Moline, with a visitation one hour before the funeral service.

Memorials can be made to Faith Lutheran Church Memorial Committee.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express condolences on her Memory Page at wendtfuneralhome.com.