Obituary – Vera Nelson

COLERIDGE — Vera Nelson, 97, Coleridge, died Sept. 22, 2011, at Park View Haven Nursing Home, Coleridge.
Visitation and a vigil service were Sept. 26 at the Wintz Funeral Home, Coleridge, and continued Tuesday at the church one hour prior to services.
Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 27 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Coleridge, with the Rev. Jeffrey Loseke officiating.
Burial was at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Coleridge.

Pallbearers were Greg Meier, Steve Dirks, Gary Graham, Jim Fish, Jim Miller and Larry Paulsen.
Vera Frances Nelson was born May 10, 1914, in Portsmouth, Iowa, to George and Emma (Weihs) Schneider. She grew up in Westphalia, Iowa, and attended country school nearby. She graduated from St. Boniface Catholic School, Westphalia. Vera then moved to Randolph to work for her aunt and uncle, John and Maime Gubbels. She married Clarence Kurtzhals Nov. 21, 1939, in Westphalia. She and Clarence farmed southeast of Coleridge and then, in 1948, they lived and farmed north of Coleridge. Clarence died Jan. 20, 1966. Vera then married Elmer Nelson Dec. 20, 1973, in Coleridge. Elmer died May 21, 1992. Vera continued to live in town after Elmer died, moving to Park View Haven Nursing Home Feb. 12, 2010.
Vera belonged to St. Michael’s Catholic Church and its guild. She loved cooking, sewing, dancing and raising flowers.
Vera is survived by three sons, Wayne Kurtzhals, Coleridge; Jim and wife, Kathy Kurtzhals, Phoenix, Ariz.; and Terry Kurtzhals, Lincoln; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one brother-in-law, Joe Leushen, Earling, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence Kurtzhals; husband, Elmer Nelson; three sisters, Luella Kloewer, Mildred Bruck and Irene Leushen; and two brothers, Walter and Elmer Schneider.