Abigail "Abby" Grace Nelson
December 30, 2016
God promised Abby that she could come home to Him, and on December 30, 2016, she did just that. Her life was full of challenges but she knew God was always with her. Her motto was to make the choice to live big every day and that each day was another chance to experience something new.
Abby accomplished much for one so young. Born August 19, 1993 to Kari (Lehmkuhl) and Mick Nelson, she graduated from Waukee High School and then Iowa State attaining her Bachelor’s in English Education. She interned with Disney’s Animal Kingdom and student taught at Roosevelt High School. She also volunteered in theatre and speech. In 2005, at a mere 12 year olds, Abby published a book “They Said It Wouldn’t Hurt (but it really did!) And I’m Still Fighting” to help others cope will fighting chronic disease.
As an English teacher at Indianola Middle School, Abby was passionate about teaching her students. She loved everything about teaching and coaching speech. Abby was an avid reader, and was never without a book in her hands. She was a fan of anything Disney, shopping, and spending time with her beloved family.
She will be greatly missed, but her family is comforted in the knowledge that she is healed and whole, and took her first painless breath. They look forward to the day when they will be reunited at home in heaven, ...SOARIN'. She is survived by her parents, Mick and Kari Nelson; sister, Sara Nelson; brother, Tim Nelson; her grandparents, Harold Nelson and Judy Lehmkuhl; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Abby was preceded in death by her grandparents, Virgina Nelson and Robert Lehmkuhl.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to Make a Wish Foundation or Camp Odayin. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Anne Beeman
01/04/2017
I was a theater student at Roosevelt High School when Ms. Nelson was student teaching there last year. Her and I spent many hours together creating and organizing props for Shrek: The Musical. She was by far one of the nicest people I have ever known. She always stocked our props cabinet with granola bars for our long rehearsals, and she made the department such a loving and fun place. Everyone loves her. She was genuine. She was kind. And I will never forget our long talks about Disney and general life. On behalf of the Roosevelt Theatre Department, I would like to say that she will be greatly greatly missed. And our condolences go out to her loving family. May she rest in eternal peace.
Nathan Jones
01/04/2017
Mrs nelson was the best teacher you could ask for. She was so caring and always brought a smile into the room. I was having a bad day and always knew it would get better when 7/8 came cause our class was like family. She was always so passionate with helping me pick out a book to read everyday or just solving everyday problems. She always made me laugh with what inside jokes our class came up with. Abby was a great all around teacher and will be missed by so many people. God gained another angel. Prayers to the nelson Family
Brandon Hannam
01/04/2017
Dear Nelson Family,
Growing up as your neighbor, as a child, was always so fun. We have had so many fond memories. Abby is a beautiful person and you could tell that from the minute you talked to her. Abby, Tim, and I played so much and was a very influential part of my growth as a young boy into a young man. I will never forget jumping on the trampoline or playing hero's and villains in your basement. Abby has a beautiful soul and God has another great one to love in Heaven. Abby was truly one of the kindest people I have ever met.
My father Rick, my mother Lori, and I are sending you so much love and prayers Nelson Family. I will never forget Abby and I thank her for everything she has done for me. Just a wonderful wonderful person. God Bless
Christine Wolford
01/04/2017
Abby stepped in as my co-teacher fresh out of college. Having taught for years I thought I'd pass on teaching insight. But as things work Abby taught me many things. I enjoyed working with her and loved her passion she shared with the kids and with me.I'm sad to hear about her passing I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful teacher and more importantly a great person inside and out.
Cade witte
01/04/2017
I am so sorry about your loss I was a student of hers and I can tell you that she taught with such happiness that you just couldn't have a bad day she was the best teacher I've ever had and I will never forget her and as you know nothing I say can make what happened right I really will miss her and I really am sorry
Chad Cocks
01/04/2017
Dear Nelson Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I knew the Nelson's during my time working at Hy-Vee. They also showed me the importance of faith and putting God first in your life. Heaven has gained another angel. May Abby rest in peace.
Jane Christiansen
01/04/2017
Nelson Family, I am blessed! Blessed to have met you all many years ago. Blessed to have known Abby. She accomplished so much in a short time. My prayers are with you during these difficult days. My heart aches along with yours, but God is near.
Deb Iehl
01/04/2017
Rejoicing/hurting with you. Heaven is richer today.
Daddy
01/04/2017
Abby was my "baby girl" and on Friday morning she took her first FULL PAINLESS BREATH and met her grandpa in heaven. She is there healthy and whole and it seems selfish for me... to miss her- to want her here- to want to hear her voice when I got home ask "how was your day daddy"- but I do and it HURTS. God had a plan for her and it is complete so I take comfort that he allowed me to be her Daddy! Butterfly Kisses Baby Girl until I see you again
Shannon Davis
01/04/2017
My son is a student of hers. He was shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. I didn't know her well just through a couple emails and a parent/teacher conference. In those few interactions it was clear she was more than a teacher. Her passion for teaching and caring personality was clear. She went above and beyond for my son and we will forever remember her for that. Prayers to her family and friends.
Mallorie Cox
01/03/2017
I didn't know Abby, or Ms. Nelson in my case. But a very large group of my eighth grade friends did. And from what I hear she will be greatly missed. I'm so very happy Indianola was graced with her presence. And I hope she rests in peace. My condolences to the Nelson family.
Larry Long
01/03/2017
Dear Nelson family,
Please accept our condolences during this difficult time. Abby was a bright light here on earth and we will miss her sweet spirit and beautiful smile. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Becky Scholes
01/03/2017
I was Abby's mime coach at Waukee High School. She was wearing a portable oxygen tank at the time, but was determined to perform for contest. I made sure her movements were not too strenuous, and she insisted she could perform without the tank for those seven minutes at contest. I ran into her all the time at Hy-Vee after she graduated. She was always filled with joy, embracing each day with a smile and determined to put one on everybody else. She focused on others, not on herself. Abby did more in her short lifetime than some people have done in seven or eight decades.
Stephanie Walser
01/03/2017
Mick and Kari, My heart goes out to you and your family. Loved reading about her accomplishments in her life and the tributes to her. She was an amazing soul. Her memories will forever be in your hearts.
From: '2 Timothy 4 V 7.'
"I have fought the good fight.
I have finished the race.
I have kept the faith."
Jodi Engstrom
01/03/2017
I am so very sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.