Obituary of Christa Nelson

Christa is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Charity Gassmann. She is survived by her husband, Daniel Nelson, and her son, Erik Nelson, both of Phoenix, AZ, her brothers Carl (Amy) Gassmann, MD, DDS of Phoenix, AZ, Chad (Susan) Gassmann of Dallas, TX, Charles (Ruth) Gassmann of Ankeny, IA, Cory (Kristi) Gassmann of Milwaukee, WI, Craig (Vicky) Gassmann of Lancaster, PA, Curtis (Rebecca) Gassmann of Indianapolis, IN, and her favorite sister Cynthia (Patrick) Porter of Virginia Beach, VA. Christa J. Nelson, 52, of Phoenix (daughter of Clarence & Charity Gassmann) passed away October 29, 2004 after her courageous struggle against lung cancer. Christa had been receiving specialized treatment in Houston Texas, when she passed away peacefully at Bellaire Hospital. Christa was born in St. Claire Shores, Michigan on October 8, 1952. She was the eldest of eight children. After moving with her family to Greendale, Wisconsin, 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. She worked for the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Unemployment Insurance Division for 23 years. 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." In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted to the Erik Nelson Scholarship Fund at any Bank of America location or by mail: Bank of America, 5065 E. Elliott Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85044.