Madelia, MN - Rachael Nelson, Mankato, left this world in the way she lived in this world - peacefully, gracefully, and quietly. She began that morning dressed and ready to start the day when she was called Home.

Rachael caught the attention of almost everyone and if you were lucky enough, she brought you into her world of bliss. Rachael had a perfectly contagious sense of humor providing laughter when it was most needed. She had enormous trust that her basic needs would be provided and was served by the best of caregivers in school, in the community, and in her home.

Although Rachael was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome rendering her without the full physical use of her body, she was still able to be an active member of her family. They often cooked, built forts, held disco parties, told jokes, played cards, and created art. Rachael enjoyed Taylor Swift, Black Eyed Peas, swimming, skiing, medical TV dramas, riding bike, canoe trips, swinging, and laughing.

Rachael graduated from Lake Crystal Welcome Memorial High School in 2020 and was recently living at the REM home in Madelia where her caregivers and hospice workers adored her.

Survived by her parents, MaryAnn and Byron; siblings, Austin and Andrew Garcia, Jackie and Henry Nelson; Bubba Yettah Iris; aunts, uncles, and cousins; long-term caregiver, Alesha Ward; and SpongeBob SquarePants. Preceded in death by grandparents, Joyce and Roger Diethelm, Dick Nelson; stepfather, Tony Garcia, and friend, Michelle Schull.

Rachael Ann Nelson age 21, died on March 9, 2024, at REM Heartland in Madelia.

A visitation will be held at The Fillin' Station Coffee House, Mankato on Thursday, March 21st from 4-7pm.

Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Madelia, on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11:00am, visitation at Sturm Funeral Home, Madelia Chapel one hour prior.

The clergy will be Fr. Timothy Hall. Interment at a later date. On line condolences at www.sturmfh.com.