Donna Kay Nelson

Funeral Services for Donna K. Nelson will be held on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Reverends Nora Mendyk and Daren Popple, officiating.  Interment will be held in the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege, following the services.

Donna Kay Nelson, 82 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at her home in Holdrege surrounded by her family.  Donna was born March 7, 1936 at Holbrook, Nebraska, the only child born to Charles and Grace (Randolph) Voiles.  She received her primary education in California, until the family relocated back to Nebraska, where she graduated from Holbrook High School with the class of 1954.  Donna spent her summers in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she was employed by Van Briggle Art Pottery.

In 1955, she was united in marriage to James S. Nelson, and to this union three daughters were born:  Ginger, Judy and Sandra.  The family made their home on a farm north of Cambridge until moving into town.  Donna focused her efforts caring for the needs of their family.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who always put her family's needs before her own.  When their daughter, Ginger was born with Cerebral Palsy, Donna devoted her life to caring for every need imaginable in order for Ginger's life to be easier.  In 1972, the family relocated to Holdrege, where Donna was employed by the Holdrege Public Schools as a Special Para Educator at the Opportunity Center until her retirement.

Donna was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Holdrege.  She was very involved throughout the years with Special Olympics, and treasured the bonds formed as she touched the lives of many children with special needs.  Donna also loved to travel, she especially enjoyed spending time in the Bahamas.  Spending time with family was very important to Donna.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Ed Hockemeier; her daughter, Ginger on October 5, 2004; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law:  Nathan and Millie Nelson.

She leaves to celebrate her life; her husband, Jim Nelson of Holdrege; her daughter, Sandy Arehart and her husband, Kevin of Holdrege; six grandchildren:  Michelle Morrow and her husband, Jon; Michael Peterson and his wife, Misty; Margaret Daugherty; Megan Briseno; Kristen Smith and her husband, Lance; Kalen Arehart and his wife, Kayla; a host of great-grandchildren; and several other relatives including a special cousin, Charles Miner of Imperial Beach, California; along with many friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

A memorial has been established in Donna's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.