Dona Jean (Bacon) Nelson was born April 6, 1937, to Jay and Irene (Schmidt) Bacon in Tekamah. She passed away Dec. 27, 2022, at Oakland Heights in Oakland, at the age of 85.
Dona graduated from Tekamah High School in 1955. She married Roger A. Nelson in 1957 and they were blessed with two children, Jeff A. and Greggory J. Nelson.
Dona worked for Mutual of Omaha and First National Bank in Tekamah until 1958. She was active in 4-H, helping Roger when he was the leader of East Oaks 4-H Club. She also served on the Burt County 4-H Fair Board. She was a member of East Oaks Extension Club for nearly 20 years, until it disbanded.
Dona joined Lyons Art Club in 1967 and in 1969 became a charter member of the newly formed Oakland Art Klub (O.A.K.). She remained a member her entire lifetime, winning many local, county and state awards.
Dona was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland. She also belonged to the Quilt Makers of the church for many years.
Dona’s life’s joy was her family.
She was preceded in death by her son, Greggory; parents; sister, Betty Baltzell; brother, David C. Bacon. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Roger; son, Jeff (Vicki) Nelson; grandchildren: Molly (Mike) Miller, Ryan A. Nelson, Kiley (Conrad) Connealy; great-grandchildren, Makenna, Milo and Merrick Miller, Myron and McCoy Connealy; sister, Barbara (Richard) Shaw; brothers, Steve (Darlene) Bacon and Fred Bacon; many nieces and nephews.
Memorial service, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, 11 a.m., at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland.
Internment at a later date: Grace Lutheran Cemetery in rural Burt County, near the family farm.
Memorials directed to the family for future designation.
Arrangements by Pelan Funeral Services. www.pelanfuneralservices.com
