OREGON – Nelda Mae Fransen, 86, was called home to our Lord on January 18, 2019 at Serenity Hospice Home, Oregon. Nelda was born on May 25, 1932 on the family farm in Woodbine Township, near Stockton. Her parents were Henry G. and Jeanette P. (Wurster) Eden.
Nelda had a younger brother, Stanley (Loretta) Eden, who survives, of Oregon, IL; and an older sister, Twila R. Long, of Sycamore, who pre-deceased her on Oct. 20, 2018.
Nelda married Dr. Emmerson D. Fransen on March 2, 1956 at Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton, following a two-year courtship of letter writing, while her future groom served in the United States Army. Her husband preceded her in death on Dec. 5, 2007.
Nelda was a mother with unconditional love for her husband and three sons. She was a homemaker who very much enjoyed reading and studying her bible, preparing meals for her family, canning foods, and anything to do with her flower gardens. Nelda sincerely appreciated the beauty of all types of flowers. She served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, nearly fifty years ago, to many who still remember her devoted efforts.
Nelda had an unwavering faith in God. She served as a Sunday School Teacher and Vacation Bible School Teacher at Faith Lutheran Church. Later in her life, she was a member and active volunteer at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Paynes Point, Ill. A special "thank you" to all of Nelda’s church friends who have written, called, or visited her during her less mobile elder years, while she lived in Rockford, IL.
Nelda is survived by her sons Brian J. (Karen) Fransen of Chana, Randal S. (Elizabeth) Fransen of Dwight, and Brent E. Fransen of Rockford. Also surviving are her six grandchildren – Benjamin D. (Sasha) Fransen, J. Derrick (Megan) Clark, Natalie R. (Brent Sanders) Fransen, Jacob M. (Melanie Kary) Fransen, Maxwell E. Fransen, and Mitchell T. Fransen. Nelda is also survived by eleven beloved great-grandchildren – Emerson, Holden, Preslee, Haley, Charlize, Elicia, James, Jonathan, Bennett, Ingram, and Islee.
A visitation was held at Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019 from 4-7 p.m. A celebration of life service was held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 764 N. Stillman Road, Oregon, on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019 at 10 a.m., with visitation one hour preceding the service. Pastor Andrew Kayes presided. Burial at Trinity Memory Gardens in Rochelle. On line guest book at www.UngerHorner.com
