Ann Marie Nelson, 72, of Malta, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb.

She was born October 5, 1953, in DeKalb, Illinois, the daughter of William and Louella (Garbelman) Hatheway. Ann married Roger Nelson on April 5, 1975, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in DeKalb.

Ann was a secretary at Malta High School for seven years prior to its closing in 2000. She then worked at Northern Illinois University for twenty years before retiring. Ann was an active member of  Immanuel Lutheran Church in DeKalb, where she served as financial secretary and various other meaningful roles. She enjoyed quilting, scrapbooking, puzzles, Lego and gardening.

She is survived by her husband Roger; her children Michael (Lala) Nelson of Arizona and Christine (Jon) Taylor of Florida; her grandchildren Thea and Aidan Nelson and Ashlyn Taylor; her sister Beth (Jim) Houtz of Florida; and many beloved family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Carol Nelson.

The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 511 Russell Road, DeKalb, with Rev. Marty Marks officiating. Burial will follow at Malta Cemetery in Malta.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the time of services at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28 , at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Nelson Family or Immanuel Lutheran Church in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.