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.
Aunt Nancie
01/02/2017
Mick, Kari, Sara, and Tim, My heart aches for all of you. At times like this there is no words to help. No one can understand what you are going through other than some one who has been through it. I love you guys and PLEASE take of each other. Love Aunt Nan cie
Maddox Smith
01/02/2017
I knew Abby as Ms. Nelson, she was the best teacher you could ever ask for, even though she was new to the school, it felt she knew all of us when we walked into her classroom on the very first day of school, she was nice and kind and knew how to make a really bad Monday into a really nice Friday feeling, she made us, feel like school can be a fun thing instead of a "ugh I don't want to be here" her time on this planet was short but, at least she made a mark in our lives
Hope Smith
01/02/2017
Even though Abby wasn't one of my teachers she ment a lot to me. I will miss her greatly and will never forget her. She is the type of person is was always there for you. She will always live in my heart and in the heart of others. The 8th grade teachers and students will all miss her. She will be remembered by many, and is loved by all. I wish the family of Abby a happy new year and to say that Abby was very close to my heart.
Rachel Engelhardt
01/02/2017
You knew her as Abby, but I knew her as Ms. Nelson. Almost every day I was greeted by her sweet, kind smile. She always made sure you were welcomed and loved. She never judged you on anything. Her classroom was a place of acceptance and kind words. She was always in a good mood and believed in peace and happiness. She brought a group of kids all with different personalities and beliefs together and made them a family.Class 7/8 was a family that she brought together. She taught us to respect others and not to judge. She was taken from us much to early but I know she is watching us now. You created a caring. smart, welcoming woman with a big heart. Even though I didn't know her for long, I felt a connection. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Kyrstan Kenne
01/02/2017
Ms.Nelson or {Abby} wasn't my language art teacher but that doesn't mean that I don't know her. Abby was someone that would never let you down and would never let someone let her down. I know for a fact that she cared about each and every one of her kids in her classroom. Abby always had such a big smile which brought me joy as I would notice her in the hallways each school day. forever in our hearts and school Ms. Nelson will be missed. all of these prayers from my fellow friends and classmates go to the family that we are all incredibly sorry for their loss.
Angel DeGard
01/02/2017
My son Anthony found out Saturday. What a difference you have made in his life!@ Prayers for family, students..My son adored you.
Karley Smith
01/02/2017
Abby or Ms. Nelson as I called her was such a genuine person. The 8th grade hallway will miss her bright smile everyday. I personally will miss her saying, "good morning" to me every morning. Such a simple act of kindness made my day. In her guided study instead of planning and working on personal things, Ms. Nelson was always helping a student who was struggling even if it wasn't things for her class. She truly put others before herself and wanted to help in any way possible. If I wasn't focused on my work, she would make sure I got back on track. She wanted all of us students to have the brightest future possible. I am truly grateful for all that she did for IMS in her short time here. The family of Abby Nelson is in my prayers.
Megan Daniels
01/02/2017
I didn't have Ms.Nelson as a teacher, but she sounded pretty fun to be around. We could always hear her class messing around and having fun when we had Mrs. Wickett. She taught one of my classes when Mrs. Wickett was gone and our class was pretty happy to have her. There will probably never be a fun teacher like Mrs.Nelson again.
Abbey Seidl
01/02/2017
Well Mrs. (Abby) Nelson had a huge impact on my life. She was the teacher at school who I told all of my personal problems and she would try to understand them or she would understand them. She made me feel safe once I walked into her classroom, I think she made everyone feel that way. I don't think I will ever have a teacher like Abby Nelson ever again.
Max Trembly
01/02/2017
Ms. Nelson helped me with everything that I needed helped with she was one of the nicest teachers I had I always fed her cattis thank you for being a good teacher
Makenna Flinn
01/02/2017
Ms. Nelson (Abby) had a great personality. She has taught me once and it was really fun. She made it fun so we were all ingaged. She was a great teacher. Ms. Nelson will be missed for sure. Everyone is in my prayers.
Avery Howe
01/02/2017
I did not have Ms. Nelson as a teacher but I always saw her in the hallways and she would always light up the room with her bright smile. She had taught one of my classes before, even if a kid was frustrating her she would just keep smiling and being happy. I would have liked to see her more in school. Our school was lucky to have a teacher like her on our team. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. She will be forever missed.
Jessica Anderson
01/02/2017
I didn't have Ms. Nelson as a teacher but I would've loved to. She was always so nice and happy and caring. She always smiled and laughed in the hallway and I'm definitely going to miss that and her. We all will miss her dearly.
Mason Weiland
01/02/2017
Ms. Nelson was a good teacher she was fun and I could tell she loved her job she will be missed by all of us. Ms. Nelson was one of my favorite teachers. There's not much I knew about her but she was one of the teachers that made school fun, she will be missed.
Sarah Moews
01/02/2017
I never got to know Ms. Nelson as much as I would've liked but from the time I did get to spend with her it was very obvious to see she was not only an amazing teacher but an amazing person. She was almost always smiling everytime I saw her and helping everyone who needed it. She will be deeply missed by many many people. May she Rest In Peace.