Clara A. (Bethge) Nelson

Clara A. Nelson, age 97, passed away Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center. Clara was born in Madison, WI, on March 8, 1915, daughter of the late Richard and Ida (Nee: Persinski) Bethge.

On January 3, 1953, she was united in marriage to Marshall Nelson, who preceded her in death on September 27, 1984. Clara was a former member of Grace Lutheran Church. She enjoyed rummaging and with her husband owned and operated Nelson’s secondhand store in Racine in the 1960s. Clara also enjoyed playing bingo, going to the casino, and in her younger years traveling the world. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, and a wonderful friend to everyone she knew. She always had a smile on her face and loved being with her family at all times. She’ll be dearly missed.

Survivors include her sons, David (Valerie) Nelson of Harrisburg, AR, Richard (Vickie) Nelson of Racine; stepson, Eugene (Mercedez) Hall of Racine; 21 grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; sister, Ida Sandle of Menomonie, WI; special friends, Maxine and Cheryl Westbrook of Rhinelander, WI; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Arlene (John) Polansky; stepson, Marshall Nelson Jr.; sisters, Martha Hein, Louise (Harry) Seberg; and brother, Richard Bethge.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 19, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. John Fleming officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Sunday at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and at the funeral home Monday from 10 a.m.  until time of service at 10:30 a.m.

A special thank you to Manor Care of Kenosha, Dr. Ansani and Dr. Schulgit, and Wheaton-Franciscan Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888