Nancy Louise “Nan” Axelson, 82, of Wabash, Indiana, passed away on June 3, 2026, at Blair Ridge in Peru, Indiana, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Nan was born on January 26, 1944 in Belden, Indiana, a small community along the Wabash River in Wabash County, to Merlin and Dorothy Huston. Her formative years were spent in Laketon, Indiana. Attending Laketon High School through her sophomore year, she would go on to graduate from the Indiana Academy in Cicero, Indiana.
After her high school graduation, she pursued a career in nursing. Graduating from Hinsdale Nursing Academy as a Registered Nurse, Nan Worked at Lee Memorial Hospital in Berrien Springs, Michigan for over 40 years, eventually becoming a charge nurse, responsible for the hospital at night. In 1972, as a young nurse, she fulfilled her long time goal of traveling through Europe. Originally planned with a fellow nurse who was stationed in Vietnam, she continued on undaunted by herself when her friend could not make the trip. She fell in love with England, returning throughout her life, often with friends or family.
Nan met the love of her life, Robert Bruce Axelson in 1976. These were some of the happiest days of her life, ending way too soon with Bob’s passing in 1984. As a widow, Nan became the pillar of her church, her family, and her friends. She moved back to Wabash in the mid 1990’s to be with and care for her family, making the long commute to work each weekend.
Nan was a great lover of life and her passion for reading, writing, traveling, photography, hosting family get togethers, antiquing, women’s jail ministry, and many other interests was an inspiration to all who knew her. While never having children on her own, she was as loving as an aunt as anyone could ever wish for. To so many of us, those are two of our favorite words, “Aunt Nancy.”
She is survived by her nephews, John (Melissa) Huston of Wabash, and Jim (Kathleen) Williams of Beverly Hills, Michigan, and niece, Trisha Duncan of Flora, Indiana, as well as her sister, Karen Childers of Wabash. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sisters, Christina Williams and Patricia Huston.
Funeral services for Nancy will be held at 3:30 p.m., on Friday, June 12, 2026 at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating. Friends may call from 1:30-3:30 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home. Graveside services and burial will be at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Rose Hill Cemetery, 10160 Rose Hill Road, Berrien Springs, Michigan, 49103.
Preferred memorial is Alzheimer’s Association.
The memorial guest book for Nancy may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
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