Jeanette Bernice Nelson, 88, of Normal, IL, formerly of Dell Rapids, SD, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2013 at Sugar Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, Normal, IL. Her funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at the United Methodist Church, Dell Rapids. Interment will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Madison, SD. Visitation will start two hours prior to the start of the funeral service on Saturday.
Jeanette was born July 10, 1924 Madison, SD, the daughter of Robert and Lydia Jermis Heinold. She married Merritt Franklin Nelson on February 14, 1946 in Pipestone, MN. They made their home and farmed in Colman , South Dakota. Jeanette adapted well to the farm as she milked cows, tended chickens, and made numerous meals for the men during haying and harvest. She was active with the other farm wives in her area and loved to play cards and dance. Merrit passed away in 2002. She moved to Bloomington , IL in January 2004 to be near her family. She enjoyed friends and activities at Bickford House before moving to Sugar Creek where she was blessed by the love and care she received from staff.
Jeanette was a member of the United Methodist Church, Dell Rapids, SD, the Senior Citizens Club, Jolly Workers Extension Club, and Dell Rapids American Legion Auxiliary.
She is preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Raymond Heinold, one sister, Evelyn Heinold.
Jeanette is survived by her children, Douglas (Bev) Nelson of Gridley, IL and her daughter, Carol Nelson of Bloomington, IL; her two granddaughters, Kristen (Carl) Drake of Bloomington, IL and Kimberly (Andrew) Thompson of Chicago, IL, her three great grandchildren, Ben, Ella, and Dylan Drake of Bloomington, IL and numerous nieces and nephews with whom she had a close relationship.
Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church, Dell Rapids. www.kahlerfh.com