Nelson, Cora Ann Elliott 1925-2012

NELSON, ELLIOTT, ANDERSON, ROSSMAN, GEARHEART, GOODENDORF

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 2/6/2021 at 17:27:38

Cora Nelson
1925 - 2012
Johnston

Our angel, Cora Ann Elliott Nelson, was called home on Thursday, January 26, 2012 in Johnston, IA surrounded by her family. She had a lengthy battle with cancer.

Cora worked for several Des Moines companies including Bruce Motor Freight, General Motors Parts Division, and Goodyear Tires, before becoming a full time wife, mother, and caretaker of the family.

Cora was very active with St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church, with many bake sales, Christmas bazaars, and a term as Rosary president. She was also a member of the Johnston Garden Club, and served as a volunteer at the Veterans' Hospital.

Cora loved Iowa and was a product of strong Midwest values. She was from time to time, drawn to her special spot at the lake cabin in Wisconsin. She also spent many days on the shores of Lake Superior. She was also a lifelong, avid fan of her beloved Green Bay Packers. Many a tense gameday was had at the Nelson Home.

Cora is survived by her sons, Geary (Herb) Elliott and his wife, Jill, of St. Charles, IA; Mark Nelson and his wife, Evelyn, and their daughter, Kaitlyn, all of Webster, WI; and granddaughter, Stephane Anderson of Polk City, IA. She is also survived by sister, Lenora Rossman of Peoria, AZ; and brother, John Gearheart and his wife, Judy, of Ankeny, IA. She was the favorite aunt of many nieces and nephews, and second mother to many of her sons' friends and other family members. She also befriended many four-legged friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald A. Nelson, her parents, and sister, Minnie (Virginia) Goodendorf, and her four-legged best friend 'Grizz".

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 3, 2012 at Caldwell Raddatz Funeral Home, 8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2012 at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church, 4600 Meredith Drive, Des Moines, IA. Burial will be made beside her husband, in Sunnyhill Cemetery, Grimes, IA.

So few words describe a long life, so full of happiness, joy, and giving. The world of many people will not be as colorful today because she is no longer with us, but heaven will be a little brighter. Online condolences may be made at caldwellraddatz.com.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store. ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register 31 Jan 2012.