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.
Tearani Peters
01/01/2017
I only knew Abby, or Ms. Nelson in my case, for a short period of time. But everyday when i walked into her classroom she had a smile on her face. She was such a great teacher who was always very optimistic and liked to make things as enjoyable as she could. I know that she will be missed greatly by everyone that knew her, prayers go out to her and her family.
Ruthie Duey
01/01/2017
I knew Abby Nelson as "Ms. Nelson". She was my 8th grade language arts teacher this year, and our specific class was like family. She made class a fun atmosphere. She was always so positive, and I am very privileged to have known her. She genuinely cared about her students, and I have never met anyone like her. She will be greatly missed, prayers to her family.
Loan Nguyen
01/01/2017
Abby,
I was so happy for you in your first year of teaching. You had so much optimism and hope even when student teaching dragged you through some tough challenges. I saw you only two months ago. You were excited about the anime club you were sponsoring. You were happy at your job. I can't even believe that I am writing this all in the past tense -- Abby, you are such a genuine, kind, loving individual; you always had a smile on even when I was grumpy. There are some people who just have a brightness inside of them that even bad weather can't blow out. Thank you for the time that we knew each other. I'm so glad you were my friend. I hope you're happy, healthy, safe, warm, and bright wherever you are now.
Scott A. Hruby
01/01/2017
Rest in peace Abby. Condolences and prayers to Mick Nelson and family. God bless.
Sharon Worthen
12/31/2016
Her kind of smiles are needed here.
Carmen Beckman
12/31/2016
Abby will always be "my little Abby "
Always a breath of fresh air with a smile that would light up the room with her positivity, she was always eager to help and teach anyone whenever she could, I know she's up in heaven teaching all the new little angels how to earn their wings, she will be greatly missed, I love Abby
Love Carmen
Dennis Connor
12/30/2016
Abby was my inspiration because she helped me in editing my first book. I will dedicate my book to her if it gets published. I will miss her greatly. My condolences to her family especially her father Mick, who has always been my mentor here at work.