Nancy M. Nelson, age 71 originally of Elk Mound, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at Dearwood LLC Adult Family Home in Eau Claire, WI. Nancy was born October 26, 1953, to Gilman and Dolores (Holm) Nelson of Elk Mound and was a 1971 graduate of Elk Mound High School. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Terry Nelson.

Nancy is survived by her sisters, Denise (Nelson) Koenig, Pearl (Sherman) Caulkins, and Becky Sherman; in-laws Paula (Wenzel) Nelson, Steven Koenig and Brian Caulkins; nephews Daniel Koenig, Kevin (Kayla) Koenig, Samuel Koenig, Joseph Koenig, and Timothy Caulkins; niece Heidi Caulkins; grandniece Theresa Koenig; grandnephew Jack Koenig, Uncle Billy Holm and many cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 21 from 11:30AM to 1:00PM at Sampson Funeral Home in Colfax. Join us to informally reminisce, share stories, view photos and enjoy light refreshments. Short prayer service will take place at 12:30PM with Pastor Hal Schroetter. A private burial will take place at Barum Cemetery.

Nancy loved all animals, but horses were her greatest passion. Her first horse, Beauty, was given to her by her Grandpa Holm, a seasoned horseman and kindred horse lover. Nancy was a fast learner and soon taught her siblings, cousins and neighborhood kids how to ride. She participated in horse shows, trail rides, parades, Wild Bill Riders and worked part-time as a horse trainer at a local ranch. She was a regular at local horse auctions, buying, training and selling horses.

Nancy dreamed of owning her own horse farm and riding stable. However, a month before her eighteenth birthday, Nancy’s dream was shattered with injuries she sustained in a horrific two-car, two-motorcycle accident in Menomonie, WI. The accident ended the lives of two of her dear friends and oneof the motorcyclists. Nancy survived, but suffered extensive internal injuries, permanent paralysis and traumatic brain injury. Many years of therapy and rehabilitation followed. Even though her physical and mental capabilities were permanently compromised, Nancy remained strong-willed and sassy, with a great sense of humor and a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. Her love for animals never wavered. She enjoyed a cat purring on her lap, doggie kisses and reminiscing about her childhood. She would light up with the mention of the names and stories of her beloved cats, dogs and horses.

Her family extends deep gratitude to the medical professionals, caregivers and social workers who helped Nancy over the years. Special thanks to Elaine, Nanita and staff at Dearwood and to the members of the former Mayo Clinic Health System’s Hospice Team for their wonderful care andcompassion last summer.

Condolences may be offered at www.sampsonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Riding with Angels, W691 CTH-CI, Palmyra WI 53156 or use the organization’s online portal: ridingwithangelswi.org. Please indicate ‘Nancy Nelson Memorial’ in the special instructions area. Riding with Angels is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing abused and neglected horses and offering a horsemanship program to youth and veterans facing adversity and challenges.