Kathleen "Kathy" Nelson

Kathleen “Kathy” Nelson, 69, of Marshalltown, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 11, 2022 at the Iowa River Hospice House. Memorial services for Kathy will take place on Friday, April 22 at 4:00 p.m. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. A visitation will follow the service from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Private inurnment will take place at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for later designation. For online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph 641-844-1234. Born Kathleen Marie Strong on New Years’ Day in 1953, she was the daughter of Harland and Lorraine (Holtapp) Strong. One of three children, she graduated from Urbandale High School with the class of 1971. Kathy and Joseph Nelson were married in 1972 and later divorced. They were blessed with three sons from their union. In 1999, Kathy was married to Dennis Cooper until his death in 2006. Kathy was a caring and dedicated mother and worked hard to support her family. She worked for 30 years in various positions in the slot department at Meskwaki Casino, recently retiring in February 2022. Though a private person, Kathy would give her all to anyone who needed help. She was a caregiver at her core and a very giving person. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and attending their events. Kathy enjoyed yardwork, flowers and her many pets. She also loved spending time in the sun, whether it was on her deck at home or at the beach. Those left to cherish her memory are two sons: Matt (Angie) Nelson of Gilman and Michael Nelson of San Francisco, CA; grandchildren: Jackson Nelson, Samuel Nelson, Skylar Nelson and Triton Buffington. She is also survived by her brother, David “Alan” (Tammy) Strong of Mesquite, TX and his daughter, Amanda; and her sister, Debra Neal of Urbandale and her children, Chris (Jess) and Jessica, and several cousins. In eternal life, Kathy is reunited with her parents, Harland and Lorraine; her son, Andrew Nelson.