Nancy Grinstead

Nancy Lee Grinstead, 84, passed away on April 15, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was born on September 12, 1941, in Hardy, Nebraska, to Jerome and Genevieve (Thayer) Kohl.
Nancy graduated from Hardy High School with the Class of 1959. She continued her education at Fairbury Junior College and Marycrest College and later earned her master’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1980.
Throughout her life, Nancy embraced many roles, including devoted mother, homemaker, and dedicated student. She built a meaningful career in social services, working as a case manager with the Iowa Social Services Department and later serving as a clinical director for Nebraska Children and Youth Services. She eventually entered private practice as a psychotherapist at Rivendell Psychiatric Center, where she provided compassionate care to those she served.
Nancy found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid reader who spent countless hours in her private library. She also loved gardening, birdwatching, and doting on her beloved cat.
Nancy is survived by her life partner, Bob Grinstead of Omaha, NE; children, Tab Grinstead of Davenport, IA and Shannon (Todd) Welton of Braidwood, IL; grandchildren, Matthew Welton (fiancé, Anna Lawary) of Omaha, NE and Megan Welton of Braidwood, IL; along with brother, Jerry Kohl of Lincoln, NE and sister-in-law, Margaret O’Leary of Kansas City, MO.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Wally Kohl; sister-in-law, Kay Kohl; and her precious cat, Gracie.
Gathering of Friends and Family will be from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 5200 R Street.
Memorials may be directed to her family for a later designation.