Bernice Louise Nelson, 89, of Freeport died Monday, October 28, 2013 at FHN Memorial Hospital Freeport. Born January 16, 1924 in Sycamore, Illinois, she was the daughter of Henry and Mable (Lindgren) Shuey Sr. She and Harry Nelson Sr. were united in marriage on September 16, 1947 in Delavan, Wisconsin; he preceded her in death in 1987.
For many years she worked for Newell and during her retirement years drove school bus in Florida.
Bernice was a member of the Orangeville American Legion Ladies Auxiliary for 22 years and made tray favors for the veterans at the Madison Hospital in Wisconsin. She enjoyed embroidering, playing cards, dancing and listening to music. She also enjoyed watching her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in their activities.
Bernice was recognized with the ALDA's President "Special Recognition" Award for her volunteerism for the Association of Late-Deafened Adults, Inc. She also did volunteer work for HCC and the National Snowmobile Racing Association.
Surviving are her four children Darlene (John) Losco of Freeport, Linda (Richard) Kruger-Kleckler of Rock City, Harry (Janet) Nelson Jr. of Lady Lake, Florida, Katherine (Perry) Schlueter of Dakota; one sister Janice Rhodes of DeKalb, Illinois; sister-in-law Irene Hornbostal of Crystal Lake, Illinois; twelve grandchildren, Andrew, Kimberly, Todd, and Scott Gray, Chip and Shane Losco, Chris and Bill Kruger, Matthew and Dawn Nelson, Kerry and Brent Schlueter; 20 great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, two step grandchildren, five step great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her husband, parents, two daughters, Charlene Gray 2001, Patricia in infancy, her two brothers Henry Shuey Jr. and Albert Shuey in infancy, son-in-law David Kruger, sister-in-law Yvonne Shuey and two brother-in-laws Noel Rhodes and Robert Hornbostal.
Visitation will be Monday, November 4, 2013 from 5-7 p.m. at Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Dakota, Illinois. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Daughenbaugh Funeral Home with Reverend Scott Naevestad officiating.
Burial will be at Dakota Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established in her name.