Karen Nelson Obituary

Karen Kay Nelson, age 80 of Maskell, Nebraska died on Wednesday morning, September 10, 2025 at her residence.

Funeral Services will be on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Maskell, Nebraska with the Rev. Chad Beckius officiating. Burial will be at the Maskell Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington and will continue one hour prior to services on Saturday at church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington.

Pallbearers will be Shannon Nelson, David Burcham, Scott Bennet, Tony Whelchel, Dennis Abbott, and Terry Whelchel.

Karen was born on February 25, 1945 in Sioux City, Iowa to Ervin Ellsworth and Rose Josephine (Wagner) Whelchel and was one of 13 children. She grew up in the Sioux City area where she also attended school. On December 10, 1962, Karen married the love of her life, Loy G. Nelson. Together they began their life in Sioux City before spending a few years in Missouri, eventually returning to the Maskell area. Karen devoted her early years to being a stay-at-home mom, to son Martin Ervin and daughter Tara Lynn, a role she cherished deeply. She loved raising her children and spending time with her many nieces and nephews. Known for her soft heart and caring nature, Karen always made others feel loved. As her children grew older, Karen began working outside the home. She first worked at Gurney’s in Yankton, SD, and later spent many years at MCI in Sergeant Bluff, where she earned several awards as a top salesperson. After MCI closed, she continued her career at the University of South Dakota and eventually retired from Newcastle Public School.

Karen and Loy shared many adventures over the years, traveling to California, Mexico, and Colorado. She enjoyed fishing, camping, skiing, and the occasional trip to the casino. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aide, and served on the Maskell Village Board. Above all, Karen’s greatest joy was her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

Karen is survived by her husband Loy Nelson of Maskell; daughter Tara Lynn (Darrell) Wieseler of Maskell; two grandchildren Marti Lynn (Ethan) Pfister of Maskell, Colby Paul Carlson and fiancé Jenna Schinstock of West Point; great granddaughter Amelia Kay Pfister of Maskell; two sisters Laura Schumacher of Iowa City, IA, JoAnn Chandler of Dakota City, NE; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son Martin Ervin - April 1983; grandson Emmanuel Carlson; three brothers Jerry, Gary, and Terry Whelchel; sisters Dorothy Abbott, LaVonne Frank, Shirley Freeman, Betty Beldin, Sheryl Bostwick, Darlene Schumacher, and Jean Slater.