NEWMAN GROVE — Laura D. Nelson, 71, Newman Grove, died May 21, 2024, at her sister’s home in Lincoln, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer, surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., June 14, at Immanuel-Zion (South Branch) Lutheran Church, with Pastor Elizabeth Goehring officiating. Private family burial will be at Thabor Lutheran Cemetery, Wausa. Visitation will be June 13, from 5-7 p.m., at Levander Funeral Home, Newman Grove. Laura was born Dec. 20, 1952, in Bloomfield, to Donald “Bunny” Vincent and Opal Elaine (Penn) Nelson. Laura’s life was a testament to her dedication and passion for education. She attended Wausa Public School and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. From 1980 to 2015, she enriched the lives of countless students in Newman Grove, as a Social Studies and American History teacher, Art teacher and track coach. Laura found immense joy in teaching and watching her students grow. She enthusiastically led over 20 Close Up trips to Washington, D.C., inspiring a love of history and government in her students.

Laura cherished life in Newman Grove and the friendships she cultivated there. She enjoyed quilting, working on rummage sales with her church group and having coffee with friends, finding a deep sense of community and happiness in these activities. She loved discussing politics and enlightening others, as well as cheering for Nebraska volleyball and attending her great-nieces’ and nephews’ events.

Laura is survived by her sister: Marcia (Larry) Wakeley, Lincoln; brother, Brent (Karen) Nelson, Sioux City, Iowa; her nieces, Laurie (Jim) Marco, Omaha; Shannon (Aaron Ward) Wakeley, Lincoln; Jill (Jason) Redmond, Papillion; Emily (Jack) Beauvais. Sioux City, Iowa; and Erika Nelson, Sioux City, Iowa. She was a second grandmother and will be deeply missed by her great-nieces and nephews, Madison and LJ Marco; Lena and Logan Ward; Addi, Aiva and Adrian Redmond; and Boe Beauvais.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and beloved cats, Blizzard, Smudge and Tuffy.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome. com.