Jeannette S. Nelson

A memorial service for Jeannette S. Nelson will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bertrand, Nebraska with Pastor John Strackbein officiating. Inurnment will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the Robb Cemetery in rural Lexington, Nebraska.

The service will also be live-streamed on the Immanuel Lutheran Church Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ImmanuelAdullam

Jeannette Sue (Bennett) Nelson, 79, of Bertrand, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Lexington Regional Health Center in Lexington, Nebraska.

Jeannette was born on December 20, 1945, in Holdrege, Nebraska, to Claude and Marian (Grafe) Bennett, just ahead of her twin brother James. She was baptized April 6, 1952 at the Bertrand United Methodist Church, and confirmed in March 1961 at Hope Lutheran Church of Smithfield. She graduated from Bertrand High School with the class of 1964, and later earned her cosmetology license from Hastings Beauty Academy in 1965.

Following her education, Jeannette worked as a cosmetologist, and was later employed at Becton Dickinson in Holdrege. On August 18, 1967, she married David M. Nelson at Hope Lutheran Church. The couple lived in Lincoln, Nebraska, while David completed his degree, before returning to the rural Loomis area to farm. Together, they were blessed with three sons: Curt, Jeremy, and Kevin. The couple also opened their home to two foreign exchange students, Luis Vasquez of Chile and Bjorn Wolf of Germany. They later lived for a short time in Bridgeport, Nebraska, before returning to rural Bertrand.

In addition to raising her children and assisting on the farm, Jeannette enjoyed working for 15 years at Betsy's Bobbins, where she served as Supervisor and formed many lifelong friendships. She was active with the Nebraska Pork Producers women's organization, the Porkettes, volunteered with the Loomis Livestock 4-H Club, and served many years as a Phelps County Election Judge.

Her strong faith was a central part of her life. As a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege, she taught Sunday school and served in various capacities. She and David later became members of Immanuel/Adullam Lutheran Church in Bertrand.

Jeannette will be remembered for her trademark kindness and generosity, extending warmth and hospitality to friends and strangers alike. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren, and proved a selfless caregiver to her parents and in-laws in their later years. Any worker or guest in her home could count on being offered a delicious, plentiful meal. An exceptional baker, her red velvet cake was legendary, and she unfailingly created birthday cakes year after year for her entire family.

Among her passions was collecting several kinds of vintage and antique glassware. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband and playing cards, especially canasta, with many special friends.

Jeannette is survived by her husband of 57 years, David; sons: Curt Nelson of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Jeremy (Karen) Nelson of Bertrand; and Kevin (Chad Svagera) Nelson of Omaha; five grandchildren: August, Ivy, Sadie, Raina, and Jenna Nelson; brothers: Larry Bennett and James (LaDonna) Bennett, all of Bertrand; brother-in-law, Daniel Nelson of Bertrand; aunts: Dorothy Marshall of San Antonio, Texas, and Virginia Grafe of Bertrand; former exchange student and longtime friend, Luis Vasquez of Blanchard, Oklahoma, and his children Diego Vasquez of Omaha and Breanna Vasquez of Lincoln; and a host of extended relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Holland and Evelyn Nelson; sister-in-law, Joy Bennett; and numerous aunts and uncles.

A memorial book signing will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jeannette's honor may be given to the family for later designation or to a charity of your choice.

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.