Danielle Nelson 1984-2023

Danielle Marie Nelson, 38, of Holton, passed away to be with our Lord and Savior on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, with her family at her side.

Danielle is the oldest daughter of Brent and Beth Nelson, born in Topeka in August 1984.

Danielle is survived by her devoted parents and loving sisters, Melissa Baldwin (Aaron) of Great Bend and Audra Miller (Corey) of Holton. 

Danielle was blessed to spend many years with her grandparents, Daniel and Mary Kohake of Seneca and Betty Nelson of Holton before they passed away years prior. Grandpa Scott Nelson’s death preceded her birth. Family gatherings were important events to Danielle because she was able to interact with her many cousins. Her cousin Robyn Steinlage-Scoby, Sabetha, held a special place in her heart because of their shared birthday and many memorable events that they spent celebrating together. 

Danielle’s larger than life and loyal family also includes eight aunts, six uncles and 35 first cousins on her mother’s side; Barbara Altenhofen (Gene), Judy Deters (Merlin, dec.), Jean Renyer (Herman), Janice Steinlage (Jim), Fred Kohake (Gerri), Barb Montgomery, Joe Kohake (Denise) and John Kohake (Mary Beth). On her father’s side are two aunts, three uncles and eight first cousins; Sandee Morris (Tim), Bruce (Julie) and Kevin Nelson (friend Rene). Numerous second cousins are on both sides.

In December 2021, Danielle became an aunt to Myles Lee Miller (Audra and Corey). Initially Danielle viewed Myles as a nuisance, but she lovingly accepted him even though he tended to get into her space. She is also the aunt of stepnephew Brantley Baldwin and stepniece Annah Baldwin of Great Bend (Melissa and Aaron Baldwin). 

Danielle was actively involved in her community and enjoyed being a part of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, USD 336 Holton School District and Jackson County Straight Arrows 4-H Club. Danielle received the Holy Family Catholic Church Sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, the Rite of Confirmation with cousin Robyn as her sponsor, and recently Anointing of the Sick.

She proudly graduated from high school in 2006 as a lifelong and loyal Holton Wildcat fan. Danielle was presented her certificate of graduation from her dad, who was Holton School Board President at that time. Danielle’s love for Holton was only rivaled by her devotion to The University of Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Royals (after their championship in 2015, of course). Blue shirts with the KC Royals or the Holton Wildcats logo were the only blue shirts she would be seen in.

Danielle enjoyed attending all her sisters’ and cousins’ 4-H, basketball and softball events with her parents. As a frequent spectator of sports, one of her favorite songs was “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” and would request her family to sing it many times. Many will remember Danielle cheering on proudly while waving her Mickey Mouse hand puppet in the air.

Danielle was fortunate to be a part of the Holton school district. In the beginning of her educational journey, Danielle traveled to the Capper Foundation in the little yellow school bus, driven by Cathy Rice and later by Marge Pallesen and Dawnie Boyd. Danielle helped be a leader for USD 336’s Inclusion Program. In 1992 she was part of a small group of local special needs children who began receiving their education within the local school district instead of being bused out of our community.

Danielle and her peers were greeted and taught by many wonderful classroom peers, teachers and administrators. Special education administrators Mark B. Wilson and Susan Sipe and special educators and para-educators in Danielle’s life included Mary Porter, Sondra Moore, Kathy Flesher and Connie Colson (grade school), Becky Campbell and Carolyn McKee (middle school), Athletic Director Rich Bechard, Jill Becker, Dena Swisher, Shelly Haverkamp, Janet Kennedy and Beth Calhoun (high school), along with many, many others.

Over the years, Danielle has been blessed with wonderful daycare attendants, Lori Stallbaumer, Marcella Hickman, Kim Middlemist, Emma Hayes, Betsy Schirmer, Michelle McClintock, Chris Petree and Bailey Ashcraft, the last 10 years. Danielle’s parents are indebted to them all.

Danielle was nonverbal, but was able to communicate her thoughts with her own modified sign language that we will all forever cherish. Danielle’s signature moves to show her fun/playful side was sign to a person that they were a turkey, goober or stinky, and then quickly sign after that they were an angel. Danielle loved to tease. Danielle was sent to the middle school principal because she was wearing offensive clothing (KU apparel). Her middle school science teacher, Mr. Holliday, signed the written detention with purple ink. Danielle was given a Reese’s peanut butter cup as her discipline from the principal, Mr. Jay D. Nelson. She enjoyed being included in the local school district.

After high school, Danielle transitioned to Developmental Services of Jackson County, a community agency that provides services to individuals with physical and mental challenges. Many new friends, staff and administrators worked with her as she attended the weekly day services program. Every summer for the last 10 years, an annual DSJC August birthday party theme was held at the Nelson pool, a memorable and fun tradition. 

Fast cars were another love of hers which she shared with her dad. Danielle loved to go fast or punch it in her dad’s Corvette convertible and would laugh and place a hand over her heart during the car ride. Danielle enjoyed riding in the Polaris Ranger multiple times, every day, to view the family animals and mimic the cows. Danielle also took delight in riding her horse, Blonde, sharing the saddle with her mom. Reese, her pet rat terrier, passed away a short time ago. Danielle loved to tease him so she could hear him snarl. 

Another enjoyment Danielle had was eating Reese’s peanut butter cups, every day. Grandma Betty got Danielle started on the snack when her family lived with Grandma for a month while waiting on getting into their new home. This enjoyed daily habit began in October 1989.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Holton. The family will greet friends at 11 a.m. with Rosary/Divine Mercy Chaplet beginning at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be held in Holton Cemetery at a later date. Danielle will lie in state beginning Friday afternoon from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Danielle’s behalf to the Holton Ladycats’ Athletic Department or St. Dominic’s Religious Youth Education Fund, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family please visit, www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

Danielle has been loved by many, but not more than her devoted parents, Beth and Brent Nelson. They have dedicated their lives to their children and ensured that Danielle was included in all aspects of life. Because of their commitment to her, we are all blessed to be one of Danielle’s turkeys/angels.

(PAID OBITUARY)