Elizabeth Nelson Obituary

Elizabeth "Betty" A. Nelson

October 27, 1941 - June 7, 2025

Elizabeth "Betty" A. Nelson, 83, of Grand Island, formerly of Cedar Rapids, NE, died Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Tiffany Square in Grand Island, NE.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14, 2025 at St. Michael's Church in Spalding, NE with Fr. Don Buhrman officiating. Interment will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday at the church with a 7:00 p.m. wake service, Fr. Lawrence Vadakkan will officiate.

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

Elizabeth Ann Nelson, daughter of Clement C. and Eleanor Mary Julia (Pritchard) Buhrman, was born October 27, 1941, in Oxnard, CA. Betty was confirmed into the Catholic faith at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spalding, NE. She attended and graduated from Spalding Academy in 1959. During high school, Betty worked for her dad at his implement dealership. Following graduation, Betty attended beauty school in Grand Island, NE.

On May 22, 1964, Betty married Raymond D. Nelson at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, KS. The couple lived in Yankton, SD, Fremont, and South Sioux City, NE. They had seven children through the years and raised them in the Catholic faith. They were divorced in 1986.

Betty then moved with her children to Ord, NE where she worked for the Valley County Sheriff's Department. She had an opportunity to move to Hastings, NE and attended Hastings College and received her associate's degree in business. She then became the manager for Dollar General in Kearney, NE. She then moved back to Spalding for a short while before moving to Cedar Rapids for 15 years. She retired and purchased her home in Cedar Rapids and loved both the people and the community.

Betty was a member of St. Michael's and St. Anthony's Catholic Church. She was a server and lector for both parishes. Betty also managed both the senior centers in Spalding and Cedar Rapids. Betty was an amazing artist and talented piano player.

Betty is survived by her six children: Chris Nelson of Omaha, NE; Greg Nelson of Grand Island, NE; Ray (Nancy) Nelson of Omaha, NE; Stacey (Pat) Jarrett of Buckeye, AZ; Ginger (Mark) Dalton of Rolla, MO; Eric Nelson of Kearney, NE; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother: Jerry Buhrman of Southaven, MS; sister: Patricia Ragar of Spalding, NE; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two infant sisters: Theresa Marie and Norma Jean; and son: Brian Nelson.