Vanessa Kathryn Nyland

Vanessa K. Nyland, 45, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away on January 7, 2026. She was born on February 7, 2026 in Royal Oak, MI to Miles and Jill Nyland.

Vanessa attended Grayslake Central High School (class of ‘98), where she was active as an athlete in cheerleading, basketball, softball, and track and field. She won the state championship in the hurdle event in 1997. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Marketing from the University of Kentucky in 2004.

Vanessa found joy in providing a foster home to many dogs and cats, in addition to her own pets. She especially loved her dogs Rosie (2020?- 2025) and Mija, and her cats Freyja and Mama, who provided her with unconditional love and companionship.

She enjoyed music and gardening. Some of her favorite times were spent tending her own garden and also helping her mom in the backyard. She was also an avid sports fan, always cheering for UK basketball, Dallas Cowboys football.

Vanessa was a loving Aunt. She was always up for spending time with her nieces and nephews, whether it was tossing a football, playing dolls, or just talking. She enjoyed supporting them by attending sports events and dance/theater performances whenever she was able.

Vanessa also loved riding her motorcycle, playing golf, and traveling with her family whenever she could.

Vanessa is deeply mourned by her parents, Miles and Jill Nyland of Grayslake; her siblings, Nathan (Deanne) Nyland of Fair Oaks, CA and Graeme (Katie) Nyland of Grayslake; her nieces and nephews, Jack Nyland of Fair Oaks, CA, Maddie Nyland of Fair Oaks, CA, Lucy Nyland of Grayslake, and Miles Nyland of Grayslake; her aunts and uncles, Pam (Rod) Ludwig of Rochert, MN, Polly (David) Stish of Royalton, MN, Dianne (Tom) Wilson of LaPorte, MN, Jo Hawkins of Pittsboro, NC, Ritch (Pat) Nyland of Elko New Market, MN, and Steve (Kris) Dieter of Barrington; and many cousins.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Saturday, January 24, 2025 from 4pm until 8pm. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.

Vanessa is survived by her parents, Miles and Jill Nyland of Grayslake; her siblings, Nathan (Deanne) Nyland of Fair Oaks, CA and Graeme (Katie) Nyland of Grayslake; her nieces and nephews, Jack Nyland of Fair Oaks, CA, Maddie Nyland of Fair Oaks, CA, Lucy Nyland of Grayslake, and Miles Nyland of Grayslake; her aunts and uncles, Pam (Rod) Ludwig of Rochert, MN, Polly (David) Stish of Royalton, MN, Dianne (Tom) Wilson of LaPorte, MN, Jo Hawkins of Pittsboro, NC, Ritch (Pat) Nyland of Elko New Market, MN, and Steve (Kris) Dieter of Barrington; and many cousins.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Saturday, January 24, 2025 from 4pm until 8pm. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.