Remembering Tim Nannet: Celebrating the life of Pioneer Village director, Boilermaker

NEW RICHMOND, Ind. — Indiana’s agriculture community lost a beloved member, Tim Nannet, who fought a long battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

The first time I met Nannet I was a new writer at Indiana AgriNews. He invited me to spend the day at Pioneer Village at the Indiana State Fair.

It was a warm, August day. I was nervous and excited to see the inner workings of my favorite place at the fair.

Nannet quickly made me feel at home. He introduced me to the many faces of the volunteers who bring the bustling village to life.

Women dressed in 1800s dresses and aprons, cooking delicious homemade meals and creating art. I spoke with blacksmiths and craftsmen who had been building things for decades.

Nannet introduced me to Mauri Williamson, who was teaching fairgoers about antique farm equipment that day.

I had a place of honor at the dinner table inside the barn, where I ate the best food I’ve ever tasted at the fair. Nothing will ever measure up to that peach pie.

I realize now, these moments with Nannet and Williamson were so special. A part of Indiana’s agricultural history — preserved by people like them who passionately showed up and worked hard.

I am honored to have met the kind gentleman who brought the Pioneer Village to life.

Here his obituary:

The life of Tim Tyler Nannet of rural New Richmond, Indiana

1959-2024

Timothy Tyler Nannet was born Aug. 25, 1959, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Beverly (Royer) Nannet and F. Tyler Nannet. He grew up in a loving home, first in Plainfield and then rural northern Montgomery County, helping his parents and grandparents at their Square Corner Hardware Store in Linden. His love for farming and farm toys started as a very young child and continued his entire life.

Tim graduated from North Montgomery High School in 1978, Purdue University with a degree in ag mechanization in 1982, and then began an 18-year career with Orville Redenbacher popcorn, working in research and development at Valparaiso and with growers through Brookston. As a state fair lover, particularly Pioneer Village, Tim began volunteering there under the tutelage of Mauri Williamson in 1987 and was named as the director when Mauri stepped down after the 2008 fair, a dream of his life come true. Through his relationship with Mauri, Tim became involved with the Purdue Ag Alumni Association, serving as a director and president.

After meeting through a mutual friend in July 1987, courtesy of a John Deere planter, Tim and Kay (Kiehlbauch) married on April 22, 1989, in Indianapolis, and moved to northern Montgomery County in February 1991. They welcomed their son, Quinton, and daughter, Andie, into their happy family and full life.

After leaving Orville Redenbacher, Tim worked in the sod and concrete business with Ed Purdy, until he began his dream job as manager of Pioneer Village and facility enhancement at the Indiana State Fair. He retired in 2017 due to the consequences of his diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and continued to enjoy his life, family and friends deeply.

Tim was an active member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Crawfordsville, serving in leadership and on New Orleans mission trips. Kay, Quinton, and Andie are grateful for the loving care and support he has received from his First Christian Church family, his coworkers, family, friends and medical team over the past nine years, and especially the team that became his family at Bickford, Crawfordsville.

Tim is survived by his wife, Kay; his son, Dr. Quinton Nannet of New Zealand; his daughter Andie Nannet of Crawfordsville; his parents F. Tyler and Beverly Nannet of New Richmond, Indiana; brother Bryan (Karen) of Aurora, Illinois; nephew Tyler (Brianna) Nannet, and niece Hannah (Mohan) Kotapati.

In lieu of flowers, the family has designated Purdue University/Pioneer Village for memorial contributions in honor of Tim.

Donations may be made online at connect.purdue.edu/IMOTimNannet or mail a check payable to Purdue Foundation to Purdue Foundation, P.O. Box 772401, Detroit, MI 48277-2401. Please put Pioneer Village or Tim Nannet in the memo.

Visit www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a condolence.