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.
Marissa Ernst
01/03/2017
I am very sorry for your loss. Prayers sent to your family. Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.
Lindsey Campbell
01/03/2017
I was Abby's roommate at Disney. She worked at Animal Kingdom and I was a deep water lifeguard at Typhoon Lagoon. We were only 20 but Abby was special from the beginning taking the time to write and leave me a welcome letter. She told me about her cpap machine as she was worried about the noise. I got earplugs and we became fast friends and have stayed that way. She is so caring and thoughtful. I am devastated for your loss but am so proud of the fact that she was able to teach; it was sooooo important to her. And she was able to get her own apartment that was something she wanted as well. I am thankful she is at peace. Abby you are a dear friend and truly amazing, rest well and thank you for being my friend!
Brian Christensen
01/03/2017
Abby was a true shining star! I had the honor to work with her as a speech coach at Waukee High School, and she was truly one of the best public speakers I have ever worked with. She simply was a pleasure to listen to. I never really had to "coach" her; I just let her say what needed to be said because that was all that she needed from me! What a powerful voice, and what a loss for her family, students, and friends.
Karma York
01/03/2017
I am so sorry for you loss. I worked with Abby last year when she was a longterm sub. I am heartbroken over hearing this news. She was a great teacher and made such a wonderful connection with her students. Prayers to the family during this difficult time.
Connie Stilley
01/03/2017
I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you, for God to wrap His loving arms around you and hold you close.
Katie Vernon
01/03/2017
My condolences to you. Although I never knew her, I know that pain you're going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cathi & Michael LaMarche
01/02/2017
Our condolences to the entire family. Although we had never met Abby, our friend Ryanne speaks so highly of her and her accomplishments. Please know that we will be praying for peace and comfort for all of you during this difficult time.
Wendy & Jim Howard
01/02/2017
Kari, Mick and the entire family. Our hearts were broken when we heard the news. We are praying for peace and comfort for you all. What an inspiration Abby is to so many. Although her life was much too short, she was mighty in all that she accomplished. She will be truly missed by so many.
Jacki Pleggenkuhle
01/02/2017
What a girl! It's difficult to express my heartbreak at hearing of Abby's passing. Abby was one of the liveliest, most courageous, confident, inquisitive, intuitive, and expressive people I have ever known. It was my pleasure to have worked with her in so many phases of her life journey. I'm flooded with memories of her on the Attic Door stage, at speech contest, in my speech/theatre classroom, speech contest judge, and most recently in her quest to become a teacher working along side our WHS speech team last year. She was a rock star!
I feel blessed to have been graced by her amazing presence. I am proud of the performer she was and the teacher I know she became. My heart is heavy though I know every day she lived was a gift. Abby was an amazing girl!
Bully and Kathy Lefebure
01/02/2017
Kerri I am so sorry for you and Micks loss, know that our thoughts are with you and God bless.
Cassie Bunting
01/02/2017
I knew Abby from Camp Odayin. We connected more at the young adult retreat. We became good friends. Heaven has gained another sweet angel. Prayers to Abby's friends, students, and family!
Shelley Gott
01/02/2017
Many thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. I only remember Abby when she was younger. I had no idea of her accomplishments. What an amazing sweet girl. Abby left an impact on many that knew her and those that didn't and read her book. I thought that was huge at her age to write a book! She took on the world with all she did in her young life. Blessings to your family
Leslie Dunbar
01/02/2017
Abby was a kind soul who always put students first. I was fortunate to work with her when she student taught at Roosevelt. She was quirky, fun and always smiling. She will be missed.
Art Sathoff
01/02/2017
Although Abby was a new teacher for us this year, she quickly became known as a person with a real heart for kids. We are very saddened that she left this earth and the teaching profession so young, but she definitely impacted lives while she was here, and her family's faith is obvious. Blessings to those who are missing her
Helen Trembly
01/02/2017
My son Max was in Ms. Nelsons class at the Indianola Middle School. Max was the lucky one, he got to be taught by Abby on a daily basis! I was lucky because she took such a huge interest in Max and in return Abby and I got to form a relationship. She was the most compassionate, caring person that I have ever met. Max felt like he was so special when around Ms. Nelson and I know that there were hundreds of other students that felt the same way, she had a way with making them all feel so special. I'm not sure how her void at the Middle School will be filled, her smile and positive outlook cannot be replaced. Please know that Max and I and the rest of our family are praying for you all during this extremely difficult time! God Bless!