Nielsen, Emma Jewel 1915-2007

NIELSEN, GODWIN, MYERS

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 7/21/2007 at 13:56:26

Emma Jewel Nielsen of Paullina, died Sunday, July 15, 2007, at the Paullina Care Center in Paullina, reaching the age of 91 years, 11 months and 27 days.

Emma Jewel Nielsen, the daughter of Harvey and Emily (Myers) Godwin was born July 18, 1915, in Nemaha. The family lived in several Iowa towns before settling in Le Mars. Jewel graduated from high school in Le Mars and received her two years of normal training at Westmar College. She taught in country schools at Fredonia Township in Plymouth County and in Mondamin. While teaching in Fredonia Township, she met Elmer Nielsen; they were later married on May 13, 1939 in Whiting.

Elmer and Jewel were parents to David, Diane and Surella. The couple farmed in Plymouth County until moving to a farm near Paullina in 1953. In 1979, they moved into their new home on the south end of Paullina. Her husband preceded her in death on July 15, 1986 in Primghar. She remained in the family home until entering the Paullina Care Center in September 2006.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Paullina and was a former Sunday school teacher and superintendent; and was active in Presbyterian Women, serving as secretary and treasurer. While her children were in school, she was a Girl Scout leader, a 4-H leader and P.T.A. treasurer. She was a member of the D.A.R., serving as Vice Regent and the D.A.C., serving as secretary. She was also a member of the Federated Women's Club and was active in the cancer drive. In her younger years, she was a swimming instructor and a lifeguard teacher. She also enjoyed crocheting.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, David and his wife, Donna Nielsen of Bremerton, Wash.; a daughter, Surella and her husband, Gary Huitt of Perry; seven grandchildren, David Brian Nielsen of Pacific Beach, Calif.,Debbie Morris of Tacoma, Wash.,Randi and her husband, Ernie Huato of Bremerton, Wash., Renee and her husband, Jody Hurtig of Paullina, Julie and her husband, James Moore of Orlando, Fla., Jeff Huitt of Perry, Jolene and her husband, Brad Ballard of Irvine, Calif.; also 12 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Woodrow Petersen of Park Forrest, Ill.; also other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, a daughter, Diane Glassford in January 2007; two grandchildren; a great-grandson; her parents, two brothers, a sister and a sister-in-law.

Funeral services will be held Thursday,at 10:30 a.m. from First Presbyterian Church in Paullina, with the Rev. David Finley officiating. Burial will be in the Prairie View Cemetery in Paullina.

~source: LeMars Daily Sentinel