Tilma Olive "Tillie" Nelson

On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the Lord called to Himself Tilma Olive Nelson (Griess), our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, at the full life of 91 years.

"Tillie" was born in Sutton, Nebraska on April 10, 1934, to Albert and Louise (Schwarz) Griess. She was baptized and catechized in the German Reformed Church, and went to a little old country school. She spoke German fluently. When she was 9 years old, her parents and siblings moved to Loveland CO. She graduated from Loveland High School in 1951.

Tillie met her beloved husband, Lawrence, while he was stationed at Warren Air Force Base, Cheyenne, WY. They were married on September 27, 1953. They were a picture of a true marriage, blessed with 72 years together. After Larry's discharge from service, they moved to Denver CO. Tillie worked for the Wyoming State Highway Department prior to the move, and then as a bookkeeper for many years. She was a charter member of the Loveland Protestant Reformed Church established in 1958, of which she was still a member. Tillie and Larry were blessed with 3 children, Sharon, Diana, and Stephen, prior to moving to Loveland.

Tillie was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved, cared and watched out for the good of her family at all times. She was a witness and always did her best to encourage each one in their very own set of circumstances. She had a strong faith in her Savior Jesus Christ and often interceded for her family in small and big ways. The world and all its dark agents threw whatever it could to shake that faith, but she always held firm.

Tillie was a phenomenal cook and baker. Her family always looked forward to Sunday roast dinner, macaroni and cheese, apple pie, kraut runza, holopsie, or fledle, just to name a few.

She enjoyed shopping and looked forward to traveling and visiting family that were a long distance away. She was a pretty savvy "techno-grandma" as well.

Tillie will be remembered for her laughter, joy, "sparkle" and her gift of singing. We were often told she was unforgettable, a sweet and funny lady.

Tillie will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Larry, her children Sharon and Rick Tolsma of Zeeland MI, Diana Todd of Fletcher NC, Stephen Nelson, and her grandchildren Kimberly and Evan Bleyenberg of Sioux Center IA, Melissa and Henry Huisken of Yucaipa CA, Jennifer and Joe Schimmel of Walker MI, Aaron and Jen Lanting of Crowne Pointe IN, Keith Lanting, Michelle and Everett Langerak of Zeeland MI, Stephanie and Matt Dykstra of Zeeland MI, 23 great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law Nola Griess of Loveland and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Bernice Schmidt, Lenie Henderson, an infant sister, and brother Rolland Griess.

The family extends its deep appreciation to the caregivers at Brookdale Mariana Butte Assisted Living and Bloom Hospice who have provided so much support, care and love for "Miss Tillie".

A memorial service for Tillie will be held Monday, February 23. 2026 at 11am at the Loveland Protestant Reformed Church, 707 East 57th Street, Loveland CO 80538, with visitation from 10-11am prior to the services. Burial to follow immediately at Loveland Burial Park at 12:30pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider giving a donation to the Loveland Protestant Reformed Christian School.