Laura Donese Nelson

Laura D. Nelson, 71, of Newman Grove, NE passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at her sister's home in Lincoln, NE.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 14, 2024 , at Immanuel-Zion (South Branch) Lutheran Church with Pastor Elizabeth Goehring officiating. Private family burial will be at Thabor Lutheran Cemetery, Wausa, NE. Visitation will be Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at Levander Funeral Home in Newman Grove, NE.

With both sadness and gratitude, we announce the passing of Laura Nelson on May 21, 2024, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Surrounded by her loving family, she peacefully transitioned after making the heartfelt decision to enter hospice care. Born on December 20, 1952, in Bloomfield, NE to Donald "Bunny" Vincent and Opal Elaine (Penn) Nelson, Laura embraced the end of her journey with the same grace that marked her entire life.

Laura's life was a testament to her dedication and passion for education. She attended Wausa Public School and earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. From 1980 to 2015, she enriched the lives of countless students in Newman Grove, NE, as a Social Studies and American History teacher, Art teacher, and track coach. Laura found immense joy in teaching and watching her students grow. She enthusiastically led over 20 Close Up trips to Washington, D.C., inspiring a love of history and government in her students.

Laura cherished life in Newman Grove and the friendships she cultivated there. She enjoyed quilting, working on rummage sales with her church group, and having coffee with friends, finding a deep sense of community and happiness in these activities. She loved discussing politics and enlightening others, as well as cheering for Nebraska volleyball and attending her great nieces' and nephews' events.

Laura is survived by her sister: Marcia (Larry) Wakeley of Lincoln, NE; brother: Brent (Karen) Nelson of Sioux City, IA; Laura's legacy continues through her nieces: Laurie (Jim) Marco of Omaha, NE; Shannon (Aaron Ward) Wakeley of Lincoln, NE; Jill (Jason) Redmond of Papillion, NE; Emily (Jack) Beauvais of Sioux City, IA; and Erika Nelson of Sioux City, IA. She was a second grandmother and will be deeply missed by her great-nieces and nephews: Madison and LJ Marco; Lena and Logan Ward; Addi, Aiva, and Adrian Redmond; and Boe Beauvais.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and beloved cats: Blizzard; Smudge; and Tuffy.

Laura's memory will forever remain in our hearts as a beacon of love, dedication, and joy. Her life was well-lived, and she will always be celebrated for the impact she made on those around her.