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

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. She was born on Dec. 20, 1952, in Bloomfield 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, 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, DC, 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, brother Brent (Karen) Nelson of Sioux City, IA, Laura’s legacy continues through her nieces: Laurie (Jim) Marco of Omaha, Shannon (Aaron Ward) Wakeley of Lincoln, Jill (Jason) Redmond of Papillion, 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.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 10:30 a.m., at Immanuel-Zion (South Branch) Lutheran Church with Pastor Elizabeth Goehring officiating. Private family burial will be at Thabor Lutheran Cemetery in Wausa.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at Levander Funeral Home in Newman Grove.

Levander Funeral Home of Newman Grove is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome. com.