Judy A. Nissen (77) went to Jesus on Thursday, November 13, 2025, following a heart procedure at OSF Hospital in Rockford, IL, while surrounded by her loved ones.
Known to most as Grandma Judy, she was born December 7, 1947, in Hammond, IN. Having lost her mother in an auto accident at age two, she was raised by family in Clinton, IA, and proudly raised her three children and six of her grandchildren. She married the love of her life, Ron “Papa” Nissen, on December 30, 1985, and spent every day with him, until his passing in 2021 of pancreatic cancer. When her oldest daughter, Tina, died of a heart attack at 32, they raised her children in Malta, and Mt. Morris, IL.
Some of her best qualities were her smile and quick wit, ability to live in the moment, and her selflessness. To know her was to love her. She was fiercely loyal and protective of her family, and if you loved them, she loved you. Judy was proud of her country home and took great pride in decorating it every holiday. She loved plants and flowers and tended to amazing gardens. Judy was a maestro in the kitchen and renowned for her baking skills, as many students and farmers can attest She found beauty in simple things in life like the moon, sunset, and farm animals. She loved going for country rides with Ron and anyone else who would take her.
Judy loved babies more than anything, and you had to get in line if you wanted to hold one of her grandkids. She found joy in Avianna’s soccer games, taking naps with Domo, and playing with Casper and Robin’s cats. Looking at photos of her family on her phone was a daily joy for her. She loved seeing Lani on her horse, Isla playing Volleyball, and Jackson catching a fish. She could look at old photos of the grandkids endlessly and always while flashing her gorgeous smile. She marveled at Rocco’s wide-open eyes and the beautiful brown skin of Malaya. She spoke proudly of grandson Ramzee and couldn’t get enough of Cordell, Nahla, and Zamaiya’s hugs. And recently, she discovered her interest in casinos with Robin.
She loved her television shows over the years, from soap operas, to westerns, to comedies. She was known as an Elvis superfan and proudly showed off her Elvis items. She enjoyed country living magazines and crime fiction novels. Judy was afflicted with several major health issues, but she chose to live a life of gratitude over victimhood. Her strength was second to none, and her impact on others was profound. We have no doubt she has a spot in Heaven.
She was proceeded in death by her parents; seven siblings; husband Ronald; daughter Tina; grandson Aaron.
She is survived by her daughter, Robin Gaines of Bettendorf, IA; son, Ryan Gaines of Morrison, IL; grandchildren Tonia, Tory, Dominique, Alexandra, Marcus, Jackson, Noelani, Isla, and their loved ones Joseph, Calvin, and Mariah; great-grandchildren Ramzee, Calvin, Cordell, Laniya, Nahla, Zamaiya, Avianna, Dominic, Malaya, and Rocco; brother, George Townsend of Arizona.
A gathering of family and friends will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 21, 2025, at McDonald Funeral Home, 1002 12th Avenue, in Rock Falls, IL.
A Memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Ken Zuithoff officiating.
Everyone is encouraged to dress brightly, as Judy loved to dress in her brightest.
Memorials can be directed to McDonald Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.