Caitlin J. Nelson

Caitlin J. Nelson, 35, of Mediapolis, passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024 at the Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Mediapolis. A private burial will be held at Edwards Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., with the family present to receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials have been established for the Des Moines County Humane Society or the Mediapolis Ambulance Service in Caitlin’s name.  Online condolences can be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

Caitlin was born May 1, 1989 in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Steve and Tracy (Malcom) Nelson. She graduated from Mediapolis High School in 2008. Caitlin was lovingly called “Calamity Jane,” a nickname given to her by her Grandpa Nelson. She worked as a paraeducator and in retail and was the owner of “Jewelry by Cait” where she made and sold jewelry. Caitlin loved metal detecting and finding and collecting arrowheads and rocks. She often used what she found to create her jewelry. Caitlin enjoyed baking and cooking and was very interested in astrology and science. She had a special bond with her Grandpa Malcom and the pair would spending time together driving around and collecting blueberries. Caitlin had a great love for animals, especially her special companion and dog, Samantha. She had the biggest heart and was a friend to everyone.  

She will be deeply missed by her parents: Steve and Tracy Nelson of Mediapolis; siblings: Travis (Anissa) Nelson of Mediapolis; Wyatt Nelson of Mediapolis; and Carolyne (Hunter) Aney of Burlington; nieces and nephews: Arizona, Trapper, John and Oliver Nelson and Olivia and Layla Aney; grandmother, Marylin Malcom of Wapello; uncle, Ross (Staci) Malcom of Postville; step-aunts: Norma (Pete) Hodgerson and Nadine Huffman; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Ray Malcom; paternal grandparents: Melvin and Doris Nelson; and great-uncle, Jerry Wickham.

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