Died Sunday, February 13, 2022 at Immanuel Hospital
Denise (Deni) was born June 1, 1957 in Council Bluffs, IA. to Rev. Dr. Donald and Dorothy (Petersen) Nelson. Her childhood was spent with her younger brother (Donald Nelson) and older sister (Deborah Abramson) as they moved from Council Bluffs, IA to St. Paul, MN. to Wolbach, NE. Wolbach was the location of her father's first pastoral assignment and where she finished high school. Friends and family friends, from Wolbach remember her as very sweet and full of energy. Upon finishing high school, she and her family relocated to the Dodge County, NE area where she began attending Midland Lutheran College, while she worked as an aide at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Scribner.
It was through these acquaintances that she went on a double date at the Fremont Drive-In the summer of 1979, where her spirit stole the heart of the date of the other couple, Otto Roemer. They fell head-over-heels in love and were married by her father on March 15, 1980 at United Lutheran Church in Scribner. Afterwards, their love and their family grew to include John, born summer 1981, and Sarah (Dekat), born winter 1983. They lived the first few years on the Roemer family farm, where the city girl learned the ways of the country, though she never got used to the geese, and they never got used to her. After establishing her family, she took up the charge of reigniting her love for medicine and the sciences and went back to Metropolitan Technical College to be 'capped' as an LPN in 1988. After some rough years of crops on the farm, the family took the opportunity to relocate to other opportunities in Fremont in 1989, where they lived until 1994 at which time they moved back to the in-town life of Scribner where they lived to this day.
Over her years, her interest in science, medicine, and science fiction genres of the 80's and 90's was passed to her children, who have since pursued successful careers in the sciences and continue to pass on this inquisitive nature and stubborn determination. Her persistence has also shown through in being a 43-year member of AA, where she has made and kept close friendships. Her pride and joys included her 2 kids, 6 grandkids, and numerous cat and dog 'children' to whom she was a proud mom and grandma. Deni and Otto were known to spend every travel opportunity visiting their children and grandchildren and always delighted in their visits. In the past several years, she has enjoyed a renewed faith and became a more active participant in her church and the WELCA Ladies Group. Those that were close to her recall her stating that these past years have been the happiest she has ever been.
Denise lived a full 64 years and is survived by her husband, Otto Roemer of Scribner, NE; her brother, Donald (Christy) Nelson of Farwell, NE, sister, Deborah (Jerry) Abramson of Aurora, NE; son, John (Amanda) Roemer, and grandkids, Garrick, Gabby, and Gus of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter Sarah (Matt) Dekat, and grandkids, Matthew, Ian, and Charlotte of New Strawn, KS. Brothers-in-law Gerald (Jean) Roemer of Hooper, NE; Martin (Janice) Roemer of Rocky Ford, CO; Sisters-in-law Donna (Robert) Robinson of Imperial Beach, CA, Bonnie Henshaw of Lincoln, NE and Sandy Roemer of Fremont, NE. Many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her father, Pastor Donald Nelson, and mother, Dorothy Nelson (Petersen).
Visitation is Wednesday, February 16, 2022 from 3pm to 8pm with the family present from 6pm to 8pm at Ludvigsen's Scribner Funeral Chapel. The funeral will be 10:30 am, Thursday, February 17, 2022 at St. John's Ridgeley Lutheran Church followed immediately by the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard Service. Burial will be at a later date. Memorials can be directed to the family, memorials will be determined at a later date.
Ludvigsen's Scribner Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.hooper-scribner.com
Condolences(6)
Jennifer Yunk
Burlington, KS Sunday, February 20, 2022 Sarah and Matt,Steve and I were so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jen and Steve
Justin Still
Fremont, NE Thursday, February 17, 2022 Otto, John & Sarah,My deepest sympathies on the loss of Denise. She was a great lady and I have lots of memories of her growing up when you were still living here in Fremont.
Sincerely,
Justin Still
Anthony Maestas
Idaho Falls, ID Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Condolences on the your loss. Prayers from our Family to yours during this difficult time.Katie
North Bend, NE Tuesday, February 15, 2022 Otto, John and Sarah,You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I have so many memories with all the crazy things your mom used to do! She will always be one of my bonus moms! My deepest sympathies to everyone
Katie Jo
Marta Wibbels Dugan
Greeley, NE Monday, February 14, 2022 I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Denise. I grew up with the Nelson Family in Wolbach. Prayers for the Nelson family and to Denise’s husband and children. So young and so sorry for your loss!Diane L Guizar
McAllen, TX Monday, February 14, 2022 Sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences to Otto and family.I am Grace Roemer (Juarez) daughter from Texas.