Obituary for Abby M. Theisen

Abby was born on November 12, 1993 in Decorah, Iowa to Michelle Gilson and Tim Theisen.

Abby attended school in Decorah, graduating high school in 2012. She continued her education at NICC where she received her Associate of Arts degree. She also studied Forensic Psychology through South New Hampshire University.

At the age of 16, Abby was a passenger in a car with an unlicensed driver and two other friends. They were on their way to their soccer picnic, but, they didn’t make it there. Unfortunately, they were involved in a tragic car accident. The other girls received minor injuries, however, Abby was badly hurt. From that day on, she was a quadriplegic. She initially was hospitalized in La Crosse, WI but was later transferred to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Chicago. She had a lengthy stay there with unfortunately, no promise of movement. She eventually returned home and continued her high school years, graduating in 2012.

After returning home, Michelle took over Abby’s care and comfort with help from outside caregivers, and continued to do so for 14 years. Through the years she had many surgeries and hospitalizations due to ongoing complications from her previous injuries.

Though there were struggles throughout Abby’s short life, she never gave up. Her much cherished sense of humor often shone through. Even when Abby was down or ill, she could still make us laugh. She will be deeply missed by her family and many friends.

Abby is survived by her mother, Michelle Gilson; her father, Tim Theisen; siblings, Elisha (James) Rudolph, Megan Doda, Matt Doda, and Alexis McKenna; and many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and Abby's beloved pets, Lady and Josie. Abby is preceded in death by her grandparents, Dewey and Ruth Theisen and John and Evelyn Gilson; Aunt, Marie Heiar; uncles, Ron Gilson and Don Nelson; second-cousin, C.J. Gilson; and her beloved pet, Loki.

Tim and Michelle would like to thank Gundersen Lutheran Hospital for the care they showed our daughter over the past years. We wouldn't have had so much extra time with her without them.

FLY HIGH AND FREE BEAUTIFUL ABBY

YOU WILL BE LOVED FOREVER

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 12, 2024 at Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago Street, Decorah, IA, 52101. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the start of service at the church.

Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Bangor Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be offered on this website.