Cheryl Trosen Nelson

Cheryl Trosen Nelson, 74, of Burlington, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

Born on November 10, 1951, in Burlington, IA, Cheryl was the daughter of Wallace and Evelyn (Robbins) Trosen. Raised on Oak Street in Burlington, she grew up in a close-knit family and community that remained at the center of her heart throughout her life. On July 23, 1988, she married Everett Robert "Bob" Nelson Jr. Together they built a beautiful life, recently celebrating 38 years of marriage.

Education was both Cheryl's profession and her passion. After graduating from Burlington High School, she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Western Illinois University. She devoted 41 years to the Burlington Community School District, where she inspired generations of students, most notably in the middle school classroom. Cheryl had a gift for seeing potential in every child, and her impact extended far beyond academics. Even after retirement, her love of teaching continued through tutoring students at Southeastern Community College.

Cheryl treasured her friendships. She had a long standing weekly coffee date "with the girls" and she and Bob met their dear friends for margaritas often. Cheryl was a proud member of the Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK) sorority and loved being a part of her book club or catching up with family and friends on the phone from the comfort of her recliner.

Above all else, Cheryl's greatest joy was her family. She and Bob were blessed with two children, Robert Nelson and Anna Henke and four beloved granddaughters, Adeline, Kaylee, Natalie, and Mackenzie. Being a wife, mother, and grandmother was the role she cherished most. Whether she was cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines at a sporting event, planning a special outing, or treating her granddaughters to ice cream dates or shopping trips, Cheryl created countless memories filled with love, encouragement, and fun. Her family will forever remember her unwavering support, gentle wisdom, and the way she made every gathering feel special.

She loved to travel and checked many places off her list; including Branson, Jamaica, an Alaskan cruise, and a trip to the Smoky Mountains. She and Bob enjoyed evenings at Circa '21 in Rock Island, cheering on the Hawkeyes, watching Indiana Fever games or taking a quick trip to the casino to win a few dollars at the slot machines.

A proud 26-year breast cancer survivor, Cheryl met life's challenges with remarkable strength, grace, and determination. Through every step of her journey, she was sustained by the love of her family, her cherished friends, and her First Christian Church family. Their support carried her through many difficult seasons, including her recent battle with kidney cancer.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Everett Robert "Bob" Nelson Jr.; her children, Anna (Bobby) Henke and Robert (Anna Ronnebaum) Nelson; her beloved granddaughters, Adeline, Kaylee, Natalie, and
Mackenzie; and her brothers, Jim (Kathy) Trosen, Wally (the late Ricky) Trosen, and Mark (the late Ronda) Trosen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Evelyn Trosen, who met her with open arms at Heavens gate.

The family will be receiving visitors from 1:00-2:30 with a memorial service celebrating Cheryl’s life directly following at 2:30 Friday, September 4, 2026, at First Christian Church, 1221 Park Avenue, Burlington.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, please consider contributing to a Scholarship Fund for aspiring teachers from the Burlington School District. While details are being worked out, checks can be made out to the family. 

Please continue to keep Cheryl's family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.