Bethine Joy Nelson
NELSON, BENNER, MCKEE, SWIFT
Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 1/1/2026 at 08:31:20
Bethine Joy Nelson, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother went peacefully to be with the Lord on Monday, December 22, 2025 surrounded by her family.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM to 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church, Iowa City Hospice, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or to the Salvation Army.
Bethine was born June 11,1934 in Mason City, the daughter of Kenneth H. and Leona (McKee) Benner. After the death of her mother in 1941 Bethine was raised by her maternal grandparents in Britt, IA. She graduated from Britt High School in 1941.
After graduation she moved to Minneapolis, MN and worked at the Downtown Car dealership. On January 30, 1955 Bethine was united in marriage to Orville S. Nelson, Jr. in Britt, IA. They moved to Iowa City where Orville attended and graduated from the University of Iowa.
After graduation the couple decided to remain in the Iowa City area. Bethine was a stay-at home mom until the boys attended school. Bethine worked at the former Nall Buick dealership and Shuppert and Koudelka Heating and Air Conditioning Co., University Dormitory Assignment, and for 26 years at the Frame House & Gallery.
She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and assisted with church vacation Bible School. They were avid sport fans and attended most home football games and many Hawkeye Bowl games. She enjoyed her Bridge clubs and playing cards with friends. Bethine and Orville spent 32 winters in Harlingen, TX. They traveled in their RV to all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico. Most trips were with their dear friends Della and Jim Hampe. They had fond memories of their trips to Norway and Europe,
She adored her six grandchildren and was very proud of them and enjoyed attending their events. Bethine was deeply connected to her family. She has left memories that will be cherished by those she touched.
Bethine is survived by her lifelong husband of 70 years, Orville. Their union was blessed by three sons, James Nelson of Chicago, John (Karen) Nelson of Denver, Jay (Gail) Nelson of North Liberty; grandchildren, Veronika (Jac) Swift, Clark (Colton) Nelson, Michael (Kayla) Nelson, Nathaniel (Mika) Nelson, Scott (Anna) Nelson, Brogan Nelson.
Bethine was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James Benner.
Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
Johnson Obituaries maintained by Cindy Booth Maher.
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