Rita L. (Nelson) Middleman

Rita Lorraine (Nelson) Middleman, 44 of Coon Valley, WI went home to be with the Lord on May 2, 2017. She was born on July 24, 1972 in La Crosse to Dale & Kay (Kuester) Nelson. Rita graduated from Westby High School in 1990.

She graduated from Trinity Bible College with a degree in education. Rita lived & taught in several places including Detroit, MI, Denver, CO, Oahu, HI, Nampa, ID, and Gdansk, Poland. She also worked at Chileda in La Crosse. On March 29, 2015 Rita married the love of her life Carnell Middleman Sr. Rita enjoyed reading, playing board games, trivia, watching CCV baseball, traveling, Jeopardy, and spending time with family. Survivors include her parents, her husband, children Carnell Jr., Carlos and Miya; sisters Debra (Michael) Verstegen, and their children MaKayla & Marisa; Joanne (Joshua) Mattia; a brother John (Simone) Nelson, and their children Bryce, Kyler, Barry, Tomeka, Baronica & Alexandra and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Rita lived every day for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Even in the midst of illness and pain she continued to shine His light to everyone around her.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday May 8, 2017 at Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church in Westby. Pastor Paul Tjelta will officiate with burial in the Coon Valley Lutheran Church Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until service time. Online condolences may be offered at selandsfuneralhome.com. Memorials are preferred.

Special thanks to the Mayo Health System of La Crosse & Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Arizona.