Imogene (Jean) Nelson, 85, passed away February 22, 2014 at her home in Emporia, Kansas. Jean was born April 2, 1928 in Delaware County, Iowa to Glenn and Adah Seward, who preceeded her in death.
Jean graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in English. While attending the University of Iowa she met and upon graduation, married her life partner, Don. They lived in Hawarden and Charles City Iowa prior to moving to Merriam, Kansas for 17 years. She and Don subsequently moved in 1974 to Emporia.
Jean received her teaching certificate and taught country school prior to attending the University of Iowa. After graduation, she taught high school English at Ireton High School in Sioux County, Iowa. She substitute taught in Shawnee Mission while living in Kansas City. While in Emporia, Jean was actively involved in the development of their family trucking line, Redline, serving as corporate Secretary.
The value of education would be a lifelong commitment to Jean. It was reflected in her participation with PTA and the Emporia Public Library board, her children's college educations and her involvement with the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She was a lifetime member of AAUW. Jean served in many capacities in AAUW, including branch president (Shawnee Mission and Emporia), Kansas state president, and regional director for a five state region. During her tenure, she was actively involved working towards the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. She served a two-year term on the national board of AAUW. She also served for several years on the nominating committee for National office positions of AAUW, including a tenure as chairman.
For Jean, family meant everything, and her home was the gathering place for children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many family dogs. Jean's faith was an intricate part of her life, reflected in her participation in her church's activities.
Jean and Don loved to travel, taking their six children on yearly trips, traveling through almost all of the continental 48 states. After raising their family, their travels expanded to many countries in Europe, making new friends wherever they went.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Don and their six children: Kirk (Sue) Nelson, Lincoln, NE, Kim (Sherry) Nelson, Emporia, KS, Keith (Yvonne) Nelson, Midland, TX, Kayla (Randy) Barta, Overland Park, KS, Kris Nelson, Greeley, CO, and Kevin (Lori) Nelson, Emporia, KS. She also leaves 15 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 28, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Emporia. A Rosary with visitation to follow, at the church, will be held on Thursday, February 27th at 7 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the Emporia Public Library or to the American Association of University Women, and sent in care of the funeral home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Imogene "Jean" Nelson, please visit our flower store.
Jean graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in English. While attending the University of Iowa she met and upon graduation, married her life partner, Don. They lived in Hawarden and Charles City Iowa prior to moving to Merriam, Kansas for 17 years. She and Don subsequently moved in 1974 to Emporia.
Jean received her teaching certificate and taught country school prior to attending the University of Iowa. After graduation, she taught high school English at Ireton High School in Sioux County, Iowa. She substitute taught in Shawnee Mission while living in Kansas City. While in Emporia, Jean was actively involved in the development of their family trucking line, Redline, serving as corporate Secretary.
The value of education would be a lifelong commitment to Jean. It was reflected in her participation with PTA and the Emporia Public Library board, her children's college educations and her involvement with the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She was a lifetime member of AAUW. Jean served in many capacities in AAUW, including branch president (Shawnee Mission and Emporia), Kansas state president, and regional director for a five state region. During her tenure, she was actively involved working towards the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. She served a two-year term on the national board of AAUW. She also served for several years on the nominating committee for National office positions of AAUW, including a tenure as chairman.
For Jean, family meant everything, and her home was the gathering place for children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many family dogs. Jean's faith was an intricate part of her life, reflected in her participation in her church's activities.
Jean and Don loved to travel, taking their six children on yearly trips, traveling through almost all of the continental 48 states. After raising their family, their travels expanded to many countries in Europe, making new friends wherever they went.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Don and their six children: Kirk (Sue) Nelson, Lincoln, NE, Kim (Sherry) Nelson, Emporia, KS, Keith (Yvonne) Nelson, Midland, TX, Kayla (Randy) Barta, Overland Park, KS, Kris Nelson, Greeley, CO, and Kevin (Lori) Nelson, Emporia, KS. She also leaves 15 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 28, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Emporia. A Rosary with visitation to follow, at the church, will be held on Thursday, February 27th at 7 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the Emporia Public Library or to the American Association of University Women, and sent in care of the funeral home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Imogene "Jean" Nelson, please visit our flower store.
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