On June 26, 1951, Eileen married Perry Nelson at the First Lutheran Church in Fremont. In recognition of their 60th wedding anniversary, Governor Dave Heineman declared that day to be the "Perry and Eileen Nelson Day."
As a member of First Lutheran Church, Eileen taught Sunday School and served as president of her church circle.
In 1964, Eileen established a child care business which she owned and operated for 49 years. During this time, Eileen helped to establish the Fremont Area Child Care Association, and she became the second president of this organization. She also served on the Advisory Board of Family Service and the Board of Directors of the Nebraska Family Child Care Association of which she is a life-time member. Eileen was also a member of the Concerned Child Care Coalition, National Association for Family Day Care, and the Voices for Children. Upon her husband's retirement from Hormel's and farming in 1984, Perry assisted with the child care. In 1990, Eileen and Perry received the child care "Provider of the Year" award from the state of Nebraska. The Founder's Award from the State of Nebraska Family Child Care Association was presented to Eileen in 1995. Eileen had also been named an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska by then Governor Ben Nelson.
Survivors include: three daughters, Sheryl (and husband Richard) Jedlicka of Lincoln, Karen Rice of Scottsdale, Ariz., Gail (and husband Brian) Pawling of Lincoln, a son Darwin (and wife Pam) Nelson of Lincoln; nine grandchildren, Jason (and wife Michelle) Jedlicka of Lincoln, Stephanie (and husband James) Widoe of Lincoln, Joel Jedlicka of Lincoln, Brandon Rice of Scottsdale, Erica Rice of Goodfellows AFB, Texas, Brent Pawling and Sarah Pawling of Lincoln, Mikayla Nelson and Connor Nelson of Lincoln; a great grandchild Cameron Widoe of Lincoln; brother, Herald (and wife Shirley) Boschult of Fremont.
Eileen was preceded in death by her husband Perry in October of 2012, and by her parents.
The funeral service will be 10:30 AM Wednesday (July 17, 2013) at First Lutheran Church in Fremont (3200 E. Military Ave.) with the Rev. Charlie Axness and the Rev. Norman Freund officiating. The committal will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont will be on Tuesday from 2 to 8 PM, with the family present from 5 to 8 PM., and will continue at the church Wednesday morning for an hour prior to service time. Memorials are suggested to the First Lutheran Church radio broadcast, and First Lutheran's weekly "Banquet"
online guestbook @ www.ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(7)
Linda Burchard
Lincoln, NE Monday, July 22, 2013 My deepest sympathy on your mother's death. Cherish the wonderful memories you have and pass them on to your family as her legacy.Linda Burchard
(Sheryl's Eagle staff colleague )
Frank and Mary Theiler, Catie, Andy and Sarah
Arlington, NE Saturday, July 20, 2013 We are heartbroken to hear of Eileen's passing today as we returned from vacation. We are sorry to have missed her funeral to be able to tell each of you in person what a wonderful mother you had. She was mother to each of our children at some point and their memories of her and of Perry are only of the love and care that they gave so openly. Our lives are better because of the example they set and the time they gave. We will never forget them and will pray for all of you during this time of sorrow.Becky Kraft Schelbitzki
Granbury, TX Thursday, July 18, 2013 My sincere sympathy to all of you. I know Eileen will be greatly missed. You were blessed with such great parents. They left a legacy of love and commitment to family I know you'll carry on. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.Brandi Tolliver
Fremont, NE Tuesday, July 16, 2013 Eileen & Perry were terrific people who made a huge impact on my childrens lives. Ms Eileen as we would call her would always keep me way late just to talk when I was picking my girls up from her and Perry's care! They were terrific individuals that will be missed! We love you Ms Eileen and Mr Perry Forever in our hearts the Tolliver Family!Kerri Flores
Fremont, NE Monday, July 15, 2013 Your parents were such loving individuals. Your mom would keep me for awhile a few times of week when I would come for my son just to hear my trials of life and she'd try to help me. With out them my son would not be who he is today, one with a good caring heart. I owe them so much for raising my boy with so much love and understanding. Your mom's passing is a blessing in my mind, she and your dad are together again, and no pain. Just as she did with all these kids, Good old Eileen is watching. With much sympathy, love and respect, Kerri and Alex FloresAllen and Jakie Pawling
Cherry Hill, NJ Sunday, July 14, 2013 Brian, Gail, Brent, and Sara: Our thoughts are prayers are with all of you. We are sorry that we won't be there for the funeral, but you are close in our thoughts and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. Allen, Jakie, Wills, and ChrisEunice Boschult Fennig
Green Valley, AZ Saturday, July 13, 2013 We were sad to hear of your Mother's passing. I saw her in recent years usually at a funeral. She and Perry were very good about coming to all the services.Our prayers and thoughts are with you in the loss of your Mom and of your Dad last year.