Helen Nelson

Helen R.  Nelson, 97, of Curtis, NE, died December 7, 2020 at Senior Living Choices in Curtis.

Helen Ruby Nelson was born February 26, 1923 to Peter and Alice (Olson) Mortensen at their farm north of Curtis.  She attended country grade school through the 8th grade. After graduating from UNSA in 1940, she obtained a provisional teaching certificate and taught rural grade school for two years, saving money to attend the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.  She graduated with a degree in Home Economics in 1946 and taught Home Economics in David City for one year before marrying Virgil Nelson on June 29, 1947.  They moved to Trenton where he was county agent and she was the home agent for Hitchcock County. In 1950 they moved to a farm 6 miles north of Curtis.  In 1960 they moved to the Mort Mortensen homestead.  In 1971 they built a house 12 miles north of Curtis, where she resided until February of 2006.  At that time, she moved into Senior Living Choices.

She was a member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church and St. John’s Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday School and Bible School for many years.  Helen was also involved in ALCW and LWML.  She was instrumental in organizing Busy Homemakers home extension club, and she and Virgil formed the Fox Creek 4-H club and were leaders throughout its existence.  Helen was very involved in Nebraska Cattle women, holding several state offices and directed the Nebraska Beef Cook-Off and helped with the National Beef Cook-Off.

Many people, especially her family, said Helen made the best bread in the county. She also made wonderful jellies, often from wild fruit or corn cobs.  Her grandchildren always knew there would be home baked cookies in the cookie jar and more in the freezer.  She was a fabulous seamstress as well as a teacher of sewing.  She was always interested in trying a new craft, such as pillowcase dolls or sugar eggs for Easter.

Survivors include son, Gary (fiancee Charlotte Jobman) of Curtis, Marcia (Arnold) Oltmans of Raleigh, NC, Carol (Marvin) Hanes, Moorefield. Nine grandchildren, 32 Great grandchildren, and three Great Grand children as well as many nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by a special cousin, Mary Mougey of Portland, OR.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil E Nelson, father and mother Pete and Alice Mortensen, brother and sister-in-law Ivan and Monine Mortensen, sister and brother-in-law Harriet and Merle Lipe, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Wilbur and Charlotte Nelson, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rodola and George Kellogg, and infant sister, Marilyn.

Visitation will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Curtis on Sunday, December 13, 2020, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm, with family present from 3:00-5:00 pm.  Mask are required and all CDC guidelines and current DHM’s will be followed.

Services will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Curtis NE,10:30 am, Monday, December 14, 2020 with Rev. David Keating officiating and will be live streamed on Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapels YouTube page. Mask are required and all CDC guidelines and current DHM’s will be followed.

Burial will follow at Fort McPherson, Maxwell, NE at 1:00 PM. for immediate family due to restrictions.

Memorials may be given to Frontier County Ambulance or the Curtis Senior Center.