Michelle "Missy" Renee Nelson

In Loving Memory of Michelle “Missy” Nelson

July 11, 1948 – August, 13, 2026

Some people leave footprints. Missy Nelson left sunshine.

Born on July 11, 1948, in Joliet, IL to Donald and Averil Adler. Missy had a remarkable gift for making life brighter simply by being herself. She believed that a smile could change a day, laughter could heal almost anything, and that there was something good to be found in everyone she met. She chose positivity —not because life was always easy, but because she knew joy was always worth looking for.

Missy never met a stranger. Friends came easily because she made people feel at ease, welcomed, and valued. Whether playing games, around the dinner table, or during one of life's everyday moments, she had a way of turning ordinary conversations into cherished memories. If there was a room to light up, Missy was the sunshine that found it.

Her greatest happiness came from spending time with family and friends. She treasured every gathering, every laugh, every story, and every opportunity to show the people she loved just how much they meant to her. She believed life wasn't measured by the years we lived, but by the moments we shared.

Missy's legacy isn't found only in the memories she leaves behind, but in the kindness she inspired, the laughter she spread, and the countless lives she brightened along the way. She would probably remind us not to spend too much time being sad, but instead to hug someone you love, tell a funny story, enjoy potato chips for breakfast once in a while, and always look for the good in everyone.

Though our hearts are heavy, we know the world is a little brighter because Missy was here. And somewhere, we imagine she's still making people laugh, making new friends, and reminding everyone that life is simply better when you choose joy.

Missy will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever celebrated by her family, her friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by the love of her life, husband Victor Nelson; children Stephanie (Jeff) Hansen, Matt (Denise) Leibert, Lance (Brandy) Nelson, and Shane (Ashli) Nelson; grandchildren Ellie and Rebecca Hansen, Brittany (Emerson) Orantes, Brody and Brayden Leibert, Cohen, Miles, and Tayla Nelson, and Colton and Wesley Nelson; and great-grandchildren Matayah and Emery Orantes, and Lainey Leibert; sister Jacquie (Brent) Estee and brother Doug (Linda) Adler.

Celebration of life will be held at noon on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Apfel Funeral Home. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:30 a.m., prior to the service. Memorials suggested to Vic Nelson, to be designated at a later date to local charities that were meaningful to Missy. The service will be livestreamed.