On Feb. 20, 2026, Nellie Walsh Weldon, 94, peacefully completed her beautiful 94-year journey after a life devoted to family and kindness, leaving behind a legacy of love that will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at St.
Patrick’s Catholic Church in Missouri Valley. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the
service at the church. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memory Gardens Cemetery in Missouri
Valley. Arrangements are under the direction of Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake.
Nellie, daughter of Reed and Olive (Sproul) Skelton, was born on July 30, 1931, in Missouri Valley. She later gained a devoted stepfather, Scott Willson. Nellie graduated in 1949 from Missouri Valley High School, where she formed many lifelong friendships and was crowned Homecoming Queen — a reflection of her cheerful spirit and the beautiful smile that would remain her trademark throughout her life.
On Jan. 27, 1951, she married Thomas Martin Walsh in Omaha, Neb. Together they were blessed with seven beautiful children who became the center of Nellie’s world and her proudest accomplishment. Thomas preceded her in death on Sept. 10, 1987.
Nellie later married Gene Weldon on Jan. 19, 1990, in Missouri Valley. The couple enjoyed their retirement years in Okoboji, treasuring time in the lakes area and the companionship they shared. Gene preceded her in death on Nov. 27, 2017.
Of all the roles she held in life, Nellie cherished being a mom and a grandma most of all. Her family was her greatest joy. She was devoted, steady, and selfless — always putting her children and grandchildren first. In the early years, she was a dedicated Den Mother for her sons in Cub Scouts, generously giving her time and energy to support their activities.
She enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, watching her westerns, and observing birds. Nellie found happiness in the simple things in life — a good book, a quiet evening, cheering on her beloved Hawkeyes, and ending the day with her nightly glass of merlot. She was a huge Iowa Hawkeye fan and faithfully cheered them on; when the Hawkeyes weren’t playing, she could occasionally be caught rooting for Iowa State. She was known for her cheerful spirit, her kindness, and her beautiful smile that brightened every room she entered.
For many years, Nellie worked for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri Valley, spending her time in the visitor center and museum. She loved sharing the fascinating artifacts and rich history of the steamboat Bertrand and took great pride in telling its story to visitors from near and far.
A woman of strong faith, Nellie held dual membership at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Missouri Valley and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Milford.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Reed and Olive Skelton; her stepfather, Scott Willson; her husbands, Thomas Walsh and Gene Weldon; daughters Mary Jo Bieck and Lisa Crispin; granddaughter Maggie Walsh; grandson Tyler Bieck; infant great-granddaughter Elliana Jayde Crispin; son-in-law Dean Hansen; and half-brothers Tony Bond and Scott Willson, Jr.
She is survived by her children: Gary (Rita) Walsh of Freeport, Fla.; Sharon (Keith) Gundy of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; David (Julie) Walsh of Fort Calhoun, Neb.; Michael Walsh of Chicago, Ill.; and Kristine (Matt) McHugh of Arnolds Park; stepchildren Cheryl Tamisiea of Missouri Valley, and Dean Weldon of Omaha, Neb.; and half-brothers John (Linda) Bond of Arcadia, Neb., and Daniel (Sherry) Bond of Renton, Wash.. She also leaves behind many beloved grandchildren & great-grandchildren, extended family members, and dear friends.
Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com.
