Nancy J. (Gorman) Voight

Nancy J. (Gorman) Voight, 55 of Sugar Grove, IL, formerly of Viroqua, died peacefully at her father's home in Coon Valley Thursday, August 15th, 2013.

Her family shares some special thoughts and memories of her wonderful life filled with love, family, beauty and joy.

Nancy was born Feb 9th 1958 in Marshfield, WI to Ed & Betty Gorman. In 1966 Nancy's family moved to Viroqua where Nancy graduated from Viroqua High School in 1976. She attended UW-L and then pursued her career working at Farm Credit Service and The Title Company in Viroqua and Chicago Title in Aurora, IL.

In 2003 Nancy married Ken Voight, the love of her life. Together, they enjoyed motorcycling, cross-country skiing, cooking, entertaining, traveling, movies, sports and, of course, dogs. She spent considerable time the last 10 years developing their special spot here in the Coulee Region, close to their family. Through hard work and vision, and help from her Dad, Nancy & Ken took a scrappy piece of land and turned it into a beautiful and relaxing retreat they named 'Kickinback Acres'. It was at this little cabin in the woods that Nancy's artistic talents combined with her love of nature, created the perfect setting to host her now famous Thanksgiving Day celebrations. A combination of Currier & Ives meets Martha Stewart, it became the family holiday no one wanted to miss.

Nancy's zest for life was expressed in so many ways. Family members were thrilled as each one received a special quilt designed and handmade especially for them by Nancy. Her love of music led her to play several instruments, recently performing at her nephew Ross' wedding. A natural born artist, Nancy created many paintings, drawings and sketches most reflecting her special love of animals. Above everything, Nancy's special gift was her talent for decorating and making beautiful places for people to gather. Her homes were warm and inviting with rooms that could be featured in any design magazine. Inspired by Nancy, her daughter, Arica became an interior designer and formed her own company in Orange County, CA. As a tribute to her mother, Arica recently competed and won the White Room Challenge on HGTV - Nancy's favorite channel.

Nancy tackled her illness with grace and dignity, just as she lived. She demonstrated tremendous strength throughout, focused on the positive and always remained optimistic. Nancy will forever be an inspiration to all of us.

Nancy is survived by her husband Ken of Sugar Grove IL, daughter Arica Peterson of Orange County, CA, her father Ed Gorman of Coon Valley , sisters Linda (Steve) Schulte of Pittsburgh PA, Mary (Jim) Schmidt of Coon Valley, Kelly (Ed) Koegel of Onalaska, maternal aunts Eunice Hallett and Loraine Ross, and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother Betty in 2006, special aunt Peggy Ross in 2010,and her beloved yellow lab, Gabe, in 2012.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday August 21, 2013 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Coon Valley with Rev. William Dhein officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until service time. Online condolences may be offered at selandsfuneralhome.com.

A memorial service is also being planned for Nancy in Sugar Grove, IL.

Memorials in Nancy's memory can be designated to the Vernon County Humane Society or the Mayo Clinic La Crosse Hospice.