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.
Joel Forget
01/02/2017
I didn't really know ms.nelson very well but I saw her in the hallways, she was such a nice teacher and always appreciated the little things, no matter what it was, my brother had her and now he won't, no one will see her smile, which was her best feature, it was wasn't odd for her not to smile, she always smiled no matter what, I'm sorry for your loss..and I'm sorry she had to go, it was to soon, she had a great passion for teaching and loved what she did, just remember all the good times.
Keegan Aberson Distler
01/02/2017
Abby was the most inspiring teacher. She has helped so many kids that are my friends get out of being suicidal and becoming happy and loving life. Always looking forward to the next day. When she passed away so many people that didn't know her very well still mourned her loss. She was so amazing in the eyes of so many people. So I just wanted to say thank you Abby and her family for bringing such an amazing person to all of us
Madison Connett
01/02/2017
Abby Nelson, known as Ms. Nelson for me was my language arts teacher. everyday she would have the brightess and biggest smile, even when things weren't good. she always had positive things on her mind and never let us down. she was a great teacher, and even more loving and caring then ever. she never once had a frown on her face, and always shared her kindness. she was loving, forgiving, caring, honest, and one of my favorite teachers. she was kind and respectful towards others and always made the room seem brighter. she was always there to help me and always listened to whatever i needed. she was never sad, mad, or even disrespectful. she knew that everyone had their differences and she excepted that. we all miss her very much and she is loved all over. she was passionate and caring. she always told us exciting ad fun stories and made sure everyone was included. we will miss you greatly.
Anna Jordan
01/02/2017
I knew Abby Nelson as Ms. Nelson as well. I didn't have her for language arts but I still had her everyday for guided study. Ms. Nelson was such a superb teacher and her personality was certainly one of her best features. She always made sure I was kept busy with work and what not. But she wasn't doing that because she's supposed but because she was guiding me to a better and brighter future. I always love walking into Ms. Nelson's room because her inspirational posters around the room. Whenever my mind goes blank (which is a lot) I'd read them over and over again. If you were to supervise any of her classes, within the first 5 minutes of class you could recognize right away that she had a unique relationship with every one of her students. Ms. Nelson was a blessing to Indianola Middle School and she will be missed tremendously. Nelson family, I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God be with you.
Alexa Trost
01/01/2017
Ms.Nelson (Abby) i didn't have her for that long of a period, but when i did have her she was a very good teacher making sure we were all working and staying quiet for others. I liked her very much as a teacher. you could tell she had a special connection with some of the students and she made sure to put a smile on people's faces everyday. she was a good teacher and my prayers are with her family. she will be missed at IMS.
Morgan Estes
01/01/2017
I did not know Ms.Nelson (Abby) very well, but she was always standing in the hallways in the mornings greeting students & staff and making sure to tell them to have a great day.. just from that, I could tell she had one of the most caring personalities that I had ever seen. She will be greatly missed by all of the IMS students and staff. Nelson family, I am very sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you all.
Michelle Majzner
01/01/2017
Abby, even though we did not have much time together, I was blessed to have you as a colleague. I enjoyed getting together with you and planning our days and brainstorming solutions to problems. I am going to miss your smile and your passion for teaching. I learned so much from you. Nelson family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joan Darr
01/01/2017
I was blessed with Abby as my student teacher last year. She was so positive and optimistic. She was always willing to do anything she could to improve her teaching. She loved making connections with students and loved to get involved with activities. I know she made an impact on so many people during her short time on earth.
My sincerest condolences go to the Nelson family. She will be missed.
Mackenzie Glenn
01/01/2017
Ms. Nelson (abby) was a really good teacher. She always had a smile on here face. Rest In Peace, you will missed by all the students and teachers at IMS
Olivia Hlad
01/01/2017
Abby Nelson or Ms. Nelson was my favorite teacher. She was the only teacher I trusted to tell any of my secrets to. She would notice if I was sad and would try to help. She will always be remembered for her kindness and selflessness. Her and her family will be in our prayers.
Zoey Harmon
01/01/2017
I knew Abby as "Ms.Nelson", she was my 8th grade language arts teacher. I didn't know her for very long but during the time I did she was always happy, kind and she always had a smile on her face. Everytime we started class she wanted us students to have a fun time during her class. We will all miss her greatly.
Jenna Strain
01/01/2017
Abby (ms. Nelson) was easily the happiest person I knew. There was not a single time that I saw her without a smile. She spread her joy and optimism everywhere she went and left an impact on everyone who knew her. She taught me so much not only from an educational aspect but also about life. She was such an amazing teacher and person and she will be missed beyond comprehension. Prayers go out to her and her family.
Mitchell Epley
01/01/2017
Ms. Nelson was my 8th grade language arts teacher, she had a special energy she carried with her, she was the most caring, the most supportive, and most understanding person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Kolton Gilbert
01/01/2017
Dear Nelson family- I am Kolton Gilbert, one of the many students that was in Ms Nelson's class. At our school we have language arts every day. With this, I got to see her at the end of each day. I loved having Ms Nelson every day at the end of the day. After a long day of middle school it was always clear that Ms Nelson had a very caring heart and really loved us. She had more love for us as student than any other teacher that I have ever had. I do not say this because it is nice to say when somebody dies. I really believe in my heart that Abby Nelson was a woman that cared for us as students, dealt with our 14 year old stupidity, and knew that she could really make a difference in our lives. Thank you Mr and Mrs Nelson for all that you have done to bring the world a perfect example of what we should strive to be like. In my short 4 months of being with her I took away many lessons, not just of good grammar but how to be a good person. So in conclusion I am very thankful for all you and Ms Nelson have done. I am very sorry for the loss of your daughter and I wish the best. - Kolton 8th grade IMS
Hannah Eilers
01/01/2017
I also knew Abby Nelson as "Ms. Nelson". She was always the light in the room wherever she was. I loved her kind and uplifting attitude, it made me appreciate her & her hard work towards us. She always made the best of things and turned every unhappy thing into something great. She will always be remembered by her students.