Nichelle Nell-Geisthardt

Nichelle Nicole Nell-Geisthardt passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026, at the age of 41. A visitation service will be held on Thursday, October 1, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Peterson-Johnson Funeral Home in Milaca, Minnesota. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Nichelle was born on April 20, 1985, to Michael and Shannon (Schafbuch) Sanders in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. She attended Milaca Public Schools and was a member of the graduating class of 2003. After graduation, Nichelle started her family and worked as a bartender and nursing assistant for many years.

Nichelle’s proudest accomplishment was being a mother. She loved supporting her children at their many events, including band concerts, football games, dance recitals, and so many more. Nichelle loved gardening, being outdoors, listening to music, going on motorcycle rides, and spending time with her beloved children, family, and friends.

Nichelle showed her love through cooking for others. She had a remarkable ability to turn every meal into a feast, regardless of how many people were actually coming to eat. She never believed there was such thing as “just enough food” – there was always enough for seconds, thirds, unexpected guests, and somehow, several days of leftovers. Her generosity and love could always be found around her table, where there was room for everyone and, inevitably, more food than anyone could possibly eat.

We will miss Nichelle deeply, but her warmth, generosity, sense of humor, and love will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Nichelle is survived by her husband, Christopher Geisthardt; her four children, Emma (Brayden) Nell, Landon Nell, Cameron Nell, and River Asmus-Elling; and their father, Aaron (Elizabeth) Nell. She is also survived by her mother, Shannon Sanders; father, Michael Sanders; brother, Zachary Sanders; parents-in-law, Larry and Laurie Geisthardt; many aunts and uncles, cousins, and many cherished friends.

Nichelle was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ed and Shirley Schafbuch, Maynard Sanders, and Janet Sanders; her great-grandmothers, Geneva Erickson and Hazel Deg; and many other family members and friends.