Nainna Marie Gnat, 91, of Salix, IA passed away January 21, 2024, at a care facility in Sergeant Bluff, IA.  A memorial mass will be held Friday, May 17th at 10:30 a.m.  at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Salix, IA, with Father Michael Erpelding officiating. Burial will be Saturday, May 18th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Bryant, South Dakota. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sergeant Bluff.

Nainna was born to Harry and Mary (Murray) Everson, August 10, 1932, in Bryant, SD. Nainna grew up with her 2 brothers and 2 half-brothers. Being the only girl, she was responsible for the household chores following her mother’s absence. She married Cecil Gnat in 1952 and they were blessed with 11 children. They farmed outside of Bryant SD until 1968 when they moved to Anderson, IN. Leaving SD was difficult for Nainna as she left behind her oldest daughter Lawana, who died in a drowning accident in 1965. Nainna cared for her family of 10 in a 3-bedroom, 1 bathroom house but was always willing to make room for “just one more.” Her kids brought home countless friends to the Gnat house, and she was always prepared.

In 1982, Cecil’s job relocated them, and they moved with 5 of their children to Sioux City, IA before Cecil’s retirement. Nainna helped out neighbors and was always available to take care of others. She was an aide on the handicap bus for the local school, visited elderly neighbors to help with daily chores, and was active in her Catholic faith. She was always available to help and prepared to add “just one more” to whatever she did. She was blessed with a loving family and will be missed by so many.

Nainna waits to be reunited in heaven with her five sons; Donald Gnat, John (Leah) Gnat, Douglas Gnat, David (Dannine) Gnat, Bill (Nancy Evans) Gnat, five daughters; Mary (Keith) Erwin, Judy Bradley, Margaret (Ron) Wood, Marcella Gnat, Kathy (Tom) Keegan; 26 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 9 great- great grandchildren; and countless other “unofficial” grandchildren who called her Grandma Nainna; 2 brothers and 3 half-brothers.

Nainna is joined in Heaven by her husband of 63 years; her daughter Lawana Gnat; her 5 brothers; and her parents.