Shirley M Nelsen

Shirley Marie (Preston) Nelsen, 89 years of age, of Republican City, Nebraska, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the Good Samaritan - Colonia Villa in Alma, Nebraska.  Shirley was born on February 23, 1928, at Belden, Nebraska in Cedar County, Nebraska, to Allen and Gladys Marguerite (Crowell) Preston.  She graduated from Lyons High School in Lyons, Nebraska with the class of 1946.

In 1948, Shirley was joined in marriage to Rick Nelsen at Lyons Presbyterian Church, and the couple enjoyed 69 years together.  Rick and Shirley spent most of their lives raising three children:  John, Joan, and Jim in Tekamah, Nebraska.  After Rick's retirement as a banker in Tekamah, they moved to Republican City.

The world lost a beautiful woman this past weekend.  Shirley Nelsen was a loving and supportive wife, and mother.  Shirley loved her family, and treasured the time spent with her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She was a good Christian woman who didn't falter with her beliefs, and was a good example for all of us.  Her favorite place on earth was her cabin outside of Republican City, where she enjoyed spending time on her porch, bird watching, and reading.

Shirley leaves to celebrate her life; her husband, Rick Nelsen of Republican City; her three children:  son, John Nelsen and his wife, Raetha of Alma; daughter, Joan Bliss and her husband, Bayard "Bo" of Port Royal, South Carolina; and son,Jim Nelsen of Craig, Nebraska; 11 grandchildren:  Joanna Clark and her husband, Justin; Jacob Nelsen and his wife, Trista; Samantha Babcock and her husband, Travis; John C. Nelsen; Sophie Smith; Evie Smith; Jessica Weeks and her husband, Derrick; Rachel Wheeler and her husband, Gabe; Nina Dolan and her husband, Nick; Richard Nelsen; and Jerrod Nelsen; 13 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Monty Rex Preston and his wife, Donna of Lyons; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Besides her parents; Shirley was preceded in death by five sisters, and three brothers.

Honoring Shirley's request, a private immediate family service will be held in the Spring.

A memorial has been established in Shirley's honor, and kindly suggested to the United Methodist Church of Republican City.

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

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.