On Saturday, August 28, former Head Coach of the Vikettes at Valparaiso High School Anna Louise Nellessen passed away peacefully.
Nellessen was a high school graduate from New Castle High School and later graduated from Indiana University with a degree in interior design and fashion merchandising. She used this degree in her time as a talented seamstress, often showing her designs at the local 4-H fairs.
Nellessen was an honorary Viking for 17 years during her time as head coach, a position that fit her personality and brightness well. She later took over as the athletic director secretary at Valparaiso High School until she retired.
Nellessen was a bright light to many, always bringing positivity and happiness to those around her. Her passing has already showed in those who miss her. Local Vikings helped spread her positivity on our Valpo.Life Facebook page by sharing memories, thoughts, and appreciation for Nellessen with us. Read some of them here to reminisce on an incredible woman:
“Ann was such a big part of our daughters’ high school experience. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to the entire Nellessen family.” – Heidi Groves
“I was on the first Vikettes team that Ann coached at VHS. She was our energetic and positive leader, a second Mom, and one of my greatest mentors. She touched so many hearts and will always be remembered. Sending our deepest condolences and all our love to Mr. N, Boomer, and Drew.” – Jill Doppler Mapes
“Our deepest condolences to the Nellessen family. Always a smile on Ann’s face, full of spunk, and love for her family. Lots of laughs and good times with her and Dan sitting at Rudy’s BBQ Shack. May perpetual light shine upon her and that the family finds peace and comfort in their days.” – Kerry Ball Sroufek
“Oh my goodness. I have absolutely no words and many tears. Anna was never without a smile. We (the Dombkowski’s) will miss her very much.” – Gloria Dombkowski
“RIP to coach Nellessen, you created a wonderful program for many to enjoy, including myself. Forever a Vikette!!” - Gabrielle Cowan
“Annie was one of the most upbeat, positive people I had the pleasure of working beside during her tenure at VHS. Valpo Vikings will miss her presence. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.” – Celia Townsley
“One of a kind. Energetic. Always smiling. The BIGGEST Girls Cross Country fan. Will be dearly missed. Peace and love to the Nellessen's.” – John Arredondo
“Beautifully written & a lovely lady who was taken from us way too soon! I’m thankful for the years of knowing such an amazing soul! You will be missed so very much by so many people!” – Lauren Covington Harlan
“The best family… and she is truly one of a kind. You will certainly be missed, Ann Nellessen.” – Michelle Bush
“Truly one of a kind, an AWESOME Viking!!!!” – Marlene Nosbusch
“She was such a wonderful lady! Sending lots of prayers.” – Grace Manzella Milroy
“We can’t ask for more than to be remembered well!” – Nancy Barone
“A beautiful person.” – Peyton Mahlmann
“Ann Nellessen was so good to my kids, Trevor Mahlmann and Peyton Mahlmann, through swimming, and so many kids through decades of being a Valpo HS coach, parent, team mom, and constant presence.” – Chris Mahlmann
“She was someone I always loved to see around for the last 30 years. She was also the best attendance lady at VHS. My heart aches for my pal Drew Nellessen and his fam.” – Kim Garbison
“My heart still aches! I’ve always respected her for her energy and love for life!” – Mark K. Nellessen
“She was a fun, high energy lady! My boys still have the hats she made for the swimmers. Thoughts and prayers to Dan, Boomer, & Drew.” – Heather Clarke Schwartz
“One of a kind. One of my proudest moments going into high school was making the Vikette team.” – Cami Annette
“An amazing woman, always so kind and created such a welcoming environment for me at school when I was her student aide.” – Natalie Girman
“Ann was an amazing woman… I am going to miss her and her contagious smile so much.” – Lindsay Anleitner
“Sorry to hear this, she was one of the nicest people I know.” – Rich Cross
“Oh Annie – I miss you already! Love to the Nellessen’s and their families!!” – Renee Turpa
“Such a wonderful lady!” – Melissa Vorkapich Grieger
“She always had a smile on her face. Prayers to the family.” – Keith Affeld
“One of the sweetest people I have met. So sorry for this great loss and condolences to her family.” – Colleen Affeld
“So sorry to hear this news! Such a bright light!!!” – Eileen Thomas
“One more angel in heaven! Rest In Peace, Ann.” – Kris Amundsen Lopez
“She was so amazing! I will smile every time I think of her.” – Kathy Sauter Danzi
“She was an amazing woman, very friendly always, never really saw her without a smile.” – Shaun Huffman
“Ann was a beautiful woman with a beautiful heart. She will be missed.” – Rebecca Martin
“Prayers to Dan, Boomer, and Drew!! She was such a special lady to our boys!!” – Deborah Greiner
“So sorry to hear this. I will always remember the volunteering and cheering on for the Valpo Swim Club kids!” – Victoria Whitsel-Taylor
“Lovely lady!! Blessings to her family!!” – Anita Addis
“My deepest condolences. I’m so sorry to hear of Ann’s passing. Such a supporter of all things Valpo, especially swimming.” – Joe Gerzema
“Wow, so sorry to hear this! Great lady, and great family!!!” – Robert Hattabaugh
“Sending prayers to her family. Such a sweet lady.” – Kristy Maggio Nondorf
“One of my favorite people to work with at VHS. Our condolences to Dan, Boomer, Drew, and the rest of her family.” – Mary Kae Houldieson Ringer
“Anne Nellessen, a beautiful lady with a big heart. Sending Dan & the boys hugs and peace.” – Glennas Taylor-Jones
“Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. She was a wonderful person in our community and will be missed.” – Victoria Plank Van Senus
“Sending thoughts and prayers! We are going to miss her at Jimmy Johns!! She was always sooo nice! One of our favorite customers!” – Nick Mercaldo
“Loved her so! From Northview and beyond!” – Sally Oram Santellano
“So sorry for your loss. She was an amazing lady! She surely will be missed.” – Michelle Austin Iliff
“Another wonderful angel on earth has been called to a higher duty… bless the family.” – MiMi Sarkisian
“Breaks my heart – she was a wonderful woman and everyone loved her.” – Bev Welter
“I am so sad to read this. Such a kind and steady presence and a wonderfully talented woman. My condolences to the whole family.” – Helen Fuller
“Such a beautiful soul. The most kindhearted, bubbly woman taken too soon. Prayers to the family! She was so proud of all her family!” – Alexandra Tompi
“What a beautiful lady and family. We are so very sorry for your loss but so lucky and grateful to have known her. Love, The Homenclature Family.” – Mandy Reid Snider
“Rest In Peace beautiful girl!!! You were so full of energy and positivity, Heaven has gained an amazing Angel! Prayers for the family!” – Natalie Martin
“RIP Ann. She was one of the nicest people you could ever hope to work with. RIP.” – Susan Hanley
“One of the best of the very best. Sending love to her wonderful family.” – Jeana Kane