Vernelle Leona Nelson was born at the Swanson family farm home southeast of Oakland, Nebraska, to C. Axel and Leona (Matz) Swanson on February 13, 1933. She passed away Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at West Point, Nebraska.
Vernelle attended Harmony Country School District 64 and Oakland High School, graduating in 1950.
On September 6, 1953, Vernelle married Harley D. Nelson at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland. Harley is the son of Clifford and Vivian Nelson. Vernelle and Harley’s first home was in Fremont. Vernelle moved with Harley as his work required, living in Kansas, Iowa, Tennessee, Missouri and for 25 years in Carthage, Illinois, before returning to Oakland in 1991. Vernelle and Harley were members of First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Oakland. The past year, Vernelle was a resident of Oakland Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation.
Vernelle enjoyed gardening, especially growing flowers, an interest she shared with her mother and sons. She was an active member of the Oakland Garden Club while she was able. Vernelle also enjoyed community volunteer work in Carthage and Oakland, including volunteering at Oakland Heights nursing home.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Vernelle is survived by her husband Harley Nelson of Oakland; sons Bradley (Ann) Nelson of Madison, WI; Mitchell (Anne) Nelson of Timonium, MD; Gary (Del) Nelson of Aptos, CA; brother Delwin (Myrna) Swanson, Oakland, NE; grandson David Nelson, Lexington, KY; and granddaughter Alexandra (Mike) Squires, Timonium, MD; plus great-granddaughter Zoe Squires.
Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Friday, February 9th, at First Lutheran Church in Oakland, Nebraska. Funeral service will be at 10 AM on Saturday, February 10th. Burial will follow at the Oakland Cemetery.
Memorial donations in her name may be made either to First Lutheran Church or Golden Oaks Senior Center, both of Oakland.
