Christa J. (Gassmann) Nelson, 1952-2004

NELSON, GASSMANN, PORTER

Posted By: cheryl moonen (email)
Date: 3/8/2015 at 15:59:00

Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Thursday, December 2, 2004

PHOENIX - Christa J. Nelson, 52, of Phoenix, daughter of the late Clarence and Charity Gassmann, of Holy Cross, Iowa, passed away Friday, Oct. 29, 2004, following her courageous struggle against lung cancer. Christa had been receiving specialized treatment in Houston when she passed away peacefully at Bellaire Hospital.

A celebration of Christa's life will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at Kramer Funeral Home, Holy Cross, where a memorial service will be held at noon. Dinner will follow.

Mrs. Nelson worked for the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Unemployment Insurance Division for 23 years.

She was born on Oct. 8, 1952, in St. Claire Shores, Mich. She was the eldest of eight children. After moving with her family to Greendale, Wis., she attended St. Alphonsus Catholic School, Greendale High School and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

In 1980, Christa fulfilled her dream of living in the desert southwest by moving to Arizona with her beloved husband, Danny. Christa was a devoted wife to her husband and a loving mother to her son and "miracle child," Erik.

An organic gardener, animal lover and environmentalist, her caring and sentimental nature deeply touched family, co-workers, friends and everyone who knew her. Her positive attitude and courage throughout her life inspired many, especially her family and extended family members who thought of her as their "family treasure."

Surviving are her husband, Daniel Nelson, and her son, Erik Nelson, both of Phoenix; her brothers, Dr. Carl (Amy) Gassmann, of Phoenix, Chad (Susan) Gassmann, of Dallas, Charles (Ruth) Gassmann, of Ankeny, Iowa, Cory (Kristi) Gassmann, of Milwaukee, Craig (Vicky) Gassmann, of Lancaster, Pa., and Curtis (Rebecca) Gassmann, of Indianapolis, Ind.; and her favorite sister, Cynthia (Patrick) Porter, of Virginia Beach, Va.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Charity Gassmann.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Erik Nelson Scholarship Fund at any Bank of America location or may be sent to Bank of America, 5065 E. Elliott Road, Phoenix, Ariz. 85044.

Online condolences may be left at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Christa NelsonPage: c8
Copyright (c) 2004 Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA)