Judy Nissen

1947 - 2025

Judy Nissen
Born: December 7, 1947 in Hammond, IN
Died: November 13, 2025 in Rockford, IL
ROCKFORD - Judy Nissen (77) went to Jesus on Thursday, November 13th 2025 following a heart procedure at OSF hospital in Rockford, Illinois while surrounded by her loved ones.
Known to most as Grandma Judy, she was born December 7, 1947 in Hammond, Indiana. Having lost her mother in an auto accident at age two, she was raised by family in Clinton, Iowa and proudly raised her 3 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 to. 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 and 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 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 preceded in death by her parents, seven siblings, husband Ronald, daughter Tina and grandson Aaron. She is survived by a daughter, Robin Gaines of Bettendorf, Iowa and son, Ryan Gaines of Morrison, grandchildren Tonia, Tory, Dominique, Alexandra, Marcus, Jackson, Noelani, Isla and their loved ones Joseph, Calvin, and Mariah, and great-grandchildren Ramzee, Calvin, Cordell, Laniya, Nahla, Zamaiya, Avianna, Dominic, Malaya and Rocco, and brother, George Townsend of Arizona.
A gathering of family and friends from 10:00 am-11:00 am Friday, November 21, 2025 at the McDonald Funeral Home 1002 12th Ave in Rock Falls. Memorial service to follow at 11:00 am 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