Nelly Thoms

Nelly May Thoms, 91, of Reinbeck, passed away on Tuesday, April 14th at Sunrise Hill Care Center in Traer, while under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice. Due to COVID-19, to protect the health and safety of all, services are currently being limited as required by state and local authorities and the CDC. Please check our funeral home website for the latest COVID-19 update. A private family viewing will take place and the private committal service for Nelly will be held at the Blessing Cemetery in Hudson. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held and announced at a later date and time. Memorials may be directed to the family and it is strongly encouraged if flowers or tokens of sympathy are desired to be sent, that they are sent at the time of the Memorial Mass. Messages of condolence and stories of Nelly are also encouraged to be left on our website at www.abelsfuneralhomes.com

Nelly was born on November 30, 1928 in Livermore, Iowa, the daughter of Dan L. & Dorothy L. (Rathke) Malkmus. Nelly grew up in Livermore, where she attended country school. She later graduated with the Humboldt High School, Class of 1946. After high school, she attended Briarcliff College in Sioux City, Iowa, where she was proud to have earned her teaching certificate. Nelly landed her first teaching job as an elementary educator in Armstrong, IA. On June 3, 1953, Nelly was united to the love of her life, Harold Thoms in her hometown of Livermore. After the couple were married, they moved to Story City, IA, where Nelly continued working as a teacher in the Ottosen and Bode, Iowa school districts. Nelly and Harold then made their home in Reinbeck and were thrilled to welcome 2 children into their family; son Mark, and daughter Maria. Nelly retired from teaching to stay home and care for her home, children, and their family farm.

She was a member of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church (formerly Blessing Catholic Church) where she taught CCD classes. Nelly was also a member of the Rosary Society and Harmony Homemakers. Nelly enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, playing, cards, and was an avid reader. Above all, she loved being a mom and raising her family and when her grandchildren came along, her life was full-filled, and her heart was overjoyed with love! Nelly was a woman of strong faith but knowing Nelly is rejoining her loved ones in Heaven, gives her family great peace and comfort.

Nelly is survived by her children Mark Thoms of Reinbeck and Maria Doppler of Lowell, Indiana; grandchildren Alexander (Sam) Doppler, Nicholas Doppler & Elizabeth Doppler; her beloved first great-granddaughter, Violet, whom she was overjoyed with! Sister Katie (Paul) McKibban. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Harold; sister Anne (John) Renquist, brother Pete (Jo) Malkmus and infant sister Margaret.