Tammy Eileen (Meisenheimer) Nelson, age 60, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, while on hospice, surrounded by her family and the wonderful staff at United Living Community in Brookings.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Eidsness Funeral Home, with Hospice Chaplain Gregg TeBeest officiating. A luncheon will follow at the Brookings VFW, with burial afterward at 1:00 pm at the Lake Preston Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, at Eidsness Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Monday.

Tammy Eileen Meisenheimer was born on May 11, 1966, in Hendricks, Minnesota, to Larry Meisenheimer and Phyllis (Hinrichsen-Meisenheimer) Coyle. She grew up in White and Brookings, South Dakota, where she enjoyed spending time with her sisters, Brenda and Sheila, many cousins, and later her stepsister, Amy Schoenthal. She graduated from Brookings High School in 1985.

After dating for nine years, Tammy married the love of her life, Brad Nelson, on May 15, 1992. She devoted the next 27 years and 7 months to caring for the elderly at the Arlington and Salem nursing homes. Her goal was to reach 30 years of service, but her career was cut short in 2015 due to illness. Throughout the next 11 years, Tammy faced her illness with remarkable courage and determination.

Wherever Tammy went, friends quickly became family. She formed lasting bonds with her coworkers, the residents she lovingly cared for, and the many people she met during her stays at Heritage Estates, Park Place, and United Living Community. She entered hospice care on May 1, where she was compassionately cared for by the staff at United Living Community.

One of Tammy's greatest joys was being baptized by her family on May 10. She then celebrated her 60th birthday on May 11 and her 34th wedding anniversary on May 15. Everyone who knew Tammy knew she was not afraid of death and openly shared her faith with many throughout her journey.

Tammy is survived by her husband, Brad Nelson of Lake Preston, South Dakota; her father, Larry (Sandy) Meisenheimer of Brookings, South Dakota; her sister, Brenda (Frank) Vermeire of Yankton, South Dakota; her sister, Sheila (Troy) James of North Platte, Nebraska; her stepsister, Amy (Andy) Zeis of Plymouth, Minnesota; her sister-in-law, Brenda (Stan) Pederson of Fairhope Alabama; her brothers-in-law, Brian Nelson and Blaine Nelson, both of Lake Preston, South Dakota; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.