Amy Christine Nelson, 56, passed away on June 5, 2026 in Rock Island, Illinois. Arrangements are at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island, Illinois. A Celebration of Life will be held at Uptown Grill from 1:00-4:00 PM on August 9, 2026, at 601 1st Street, LaSalle, Illinois. Memorials may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley.

On June 25, 1969, Rosemary and Larry Nelson welcomed the second of three daughters to their family in Ottawa, Illinois. Amy was a determined and feisty girl who, at a young age, loved riding her pony, Misty, throughout the countryside. She and her sisters went to Rutland Grade School where Amy made many lifelong friends. She graduated from Ottawa Township High School in 1987. Amy loved the performing arts, competing on the speech team, singing and dancing with The Renditions, and being onstage for plays and musicals. She did this all while getting top marks. She moved from ponies to horses during her high school years and spent many weekends on trail rides with all the local cowboys.

Amy earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Illinois and later received her MBA from the University of Iowa. After many years as a sales representative, she found her true passion in life helping people reach their full potential through her coaching program. Amy was a mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley and volunteered for many other organizations that she believed in.

Amy was a hard worker and lifelong learner. She loved music, books, and theater and was a memory keeper for our family. She wrote beautifully and could always be counted on to proofread a paper or have a good book talk. Amy loved cooking, especially her Thanksgiving meals. She filled countless breakfast requests for her nieces and nephews at our annual family vacation on Lake Wabana in northern Minnesota.

She was an independent woman, true to herself, and didn’t hesitate to let you know what she was thinking. Amy was loyal, fiercely protective of her family and friends, and was the best daughter, sister, and aunt anyone could ask for. Our lives are forever changed by this heartbreaking loss.

Amy is survived by her parents, Rosemary and Larry Nelson; her sisters, Kathy (Bob) Lelonek and Sarah Eckburg; her beloved nieces and nephews, Max, Margo, Pearce, John (Kelli), Scarlett (Brittany), Kathryn (Bailey), and Emma; and great-nieces Eevie, Ada, and Lucy. She also left behind dear friends and her two sweet fur babies, Lucy and Maisy.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Connie and Fritz Harmon and Tressa and Truman Nelson.

To leave condolences for the family, visit www.wheelanpressly.com.