Nancy Lou (Poller) Carns, 75, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, died peacefully at her home on Monday, July 31, 2017 following a stroke. Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, 1245 N Water St., Platteville. Burial will be at Big Patch Cemetery, Smelser Township. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Nancy L. Carns Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Nancy was born on June 21, 1942 to Leonard and Leta (Withrow) Poller. She graduated from Platteville High School and received her Bachelor's Degree in Education at the University of Wisconsin – Platteville in just 3 years. She married Robert Carns on July 19, 1963. She taught at the Platteville Jr. High School for one year. When they began their family, Nancy chose to raise their three children and help on the farm. She and Robert began farming near Elk Grove in 1964. In 1968 they moved to the farm in rural Cuba City where they have lived and build a strong herd of registered Holsteins for nearly 50 years.

Even though Nancy grew up a “city girl,” she turned into a very hard working farmer, doing everything from milking cows to helping with field work. Nancy was a lady with many talents and hobbies. She made afghans, crocheted beautiful items, sewed clothing for herself, Bob, and the kids and grandkids. She enjoyed refinishing antique furniture and made numerous quilts. She learned to applique on clothing and quilts. When the kids were half grown she decided to take piano and organ lessons. She had a love for lighthouses. They had two huge gardens so she did a lot of canning, often working into the wee hours of the morning, then up to help with chores and field work again. She and Robert were involved for some years with square dancing, card club, 4-H, and the Holstein Friesian Association. They received the Lafayette County Distinguished Holstein Breeders Award. They attended the Big Patch Primitive Methodist Church.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Robert; three children, Rodney Carns, Randy (Elaine) Carns, and Nina Carns; five grandchildren, Stephanie Carns, Amanda (Scott) Williams, Emily (Nick) Rauch, Ashley Carns, and Justin Carns; three great-grandchildren, Ryleigh and Avarie Rauch and Wade Williams. She is also survived by her sisters, Rita (Robert) Chase and brother, Clayton Poller. She was preceded in death by her parents; a baby sister, Betty Jean in 1936; and older sister, Pat Hayden.

Nancy Carns

June 21, 1942 - July 31, 2017

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