Neva Elise Holdmann, 13 (and a half!) died on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at American Family Children's Hospital in Madison, WI due to complications resulting from a mitochondrial disorder. Born October 13, 2004 in Rockford, beloved daughter of Kevin Holdmann and Lenae Weichel. Neva was named after her great-grandmothers, Neva Ailene Weichel, Neva Jean Haberer, and Elise Holdmann. She was in the 7th grade at Maria Montessori School in Rockford.

She was an amazing girl. Full of infectious joy, she loved life, learning, books, art, the beauty of nature, travel, and her friends and family. She was strong, cheerful, and optimistic despite the challenges of her progressive disability. She was active in Girls Scouts, participated in Buddy Baseball and dance classes, and loved going to camp in Wisconsin.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her younger brother, Kai Holdmann, her friend, protector, and helper who loved her to pieces; grandparents, Robert and Erika Holdmann of Naples, FL; James and Lynda Weichel of Naperville; aunts and uncles, Gwen (Ken Anderson) Holdmann of Fairbanks, AK, Alyssa (Matthew) Arata of Oak Park, Brian Weichel of Austin, TX; cousins, Leif, Marais, and Lael Anderson, Grant and Nora Weichel, and Evelyn Arata. Visitation on Friday, March 30, 2018 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the family home at 1438 Collingswood Drive, Rockford; additional visitation on Saturday, March 31, 2018 from 1-2 p.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 3rd Ave. Rockford. Celebration of Neva's life at 2 p.m. at the church. Private interment in Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Maria Montessori School to help with the creation of a Socratic Circle, an outdoor classroom. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com .