Nancy Ann Goebel was born on July 10, 1945, near Flora, Indiana, to Russel Goebel and Virginia Foster Goebel.
She grew up with her parents and siblings, William and Theodore Goebel, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Goebel family moved to Marion, Indiana, when her father began practicing dentistry at the Marion VA which was Nancy’s sophomore year at Marion High School (1960). Nancy enjoyed many Giant activities, such as booster block and the choral department, starring in her debut roles as “Daisey Mae” in Lil Abner, Amahl and the Night Visitors opera, Guys and Dolls, and Pajama Game, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, Bye Bye Birdie–many with her close friends, Jim Moritz and Richie Walton as directors. She was in the high school sorority, Phi Epsilon Iota. Nancy graduated from Marion High School in 1963, the very first graduating class in the new Marion High School building located on 26th Street.
She continued her education at Indiana University Bloomington with a major in Music Education, and her Master of Arts and post-graduate work at Ball State University. Her love of music flourished during her time as an active Singing Hoosier, serving many leadership positions during her time at the University as well as with the Singer Hoosiers Alumni Association. As a student, she toured with the company on two USO tours to Europe and the Caribbean, singing for active service men and women and sang with honored celebrities like Bob Hope, Ethel Merman, and Pete Fountain. She was a national professional soloist for summer stock Equity productions, also singing for Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Taylor University Symphony, and Washington D.C. Chorale.
Nancy taught music with Marion Community Schools, Taylor University, and other school systems throughout her over 40 years of teaching. She will be missed by faculty, friends, and students. From Riverview Rockets and Allen choirs to Justice Middle School choir, Sweet Inspirations, Men’s Choir and the 26th Street Singers, her ability to bring out the best in students and give them the belief in their voices and themselves will live on forever through her thousands of students.
Nancy was a woman who loved deeply. She is remembered fondly and honorably by her husbands throughout her lifetime: Joe Everett Peterson, Jim Beck, and Kelly Clore. She leaves behind four beautiful children who had blessed her with a son-in-law, three daughters-in-law, and ten amazing grandkids, all who carry with them a piece of this one-of-a kind personality, a musical voice, and a love of music, laughter, silliness, and deep love. Her children are: Joseph (Jennifer) Beck, Ann (Aaron) Vermilion, Alan (Christy) Beck, and Daniel (Julie) Beck.
She has filled a lifetime of memories and Nana traditions, not including her dimples, to Samuel Vermilion, Kaycee Beck, Ella Vermilion, Presley Beck, Beck Vermilion, Chase Beck, Nathaniel Beck, Carter Beck, Wiley Gordan, and Ellis Blue Beck.
Nancy is the sister of William (Mary) Goebel and Theodore (Alexis) Goebel. She will be missed by so many of her cousins, nieces, and nephews and her closest friends who have been part of her family.
Nancy has been active in the many organizations over her time on this earth: Marion Civic Theatre, Marion Philharmonic Orchestra, Psi Iota Sorority–making her thousands of cheese balls, an honorary lifetime member Grant County Lyric Club.
She was a musical genius, singer, producer, and creative director. She stole the stage the moment she entered stage right and exited stage left or entered the orchestra pit or took a bow. Her accolades include: Sing for Your Supper, My Fair Lady, I Do I Do, Oliver, Big River, Secret Garden, Annie, and so many more. She also toured on stage with the Grant County Players and performing across the country in Plaza Suites with Jim Shildmyer.
Beyond music, Nancy loved water activities and snow skiing. Her love was her lake home on Sechrist Lake. There her heart will always remain, and her family and friends will forever keep memories and a piece of her always with them.
Nancy is preceded in death and welcomed into heaven by her niece, Christina (Goebel) Liner; her brother, Theodore Goebel; her mother, Virginia Goebel; her father, Russel Goebel; and many other friends and family.
Nancy’s funeral service will be held at 4:00 pm on Sunday, August 21, 2022, at First United Methodist Church, 624 S. Adams St., Marion, Indiana, with visitation from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to any of the following: Grant County Lyric Club, IU Singing Hoosiers, or Marion High School Alumni Association–Arts Endowment.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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