Bernice Ruth Nelson, 92, formally of Axtell and Kearney, passed away in Lincoln, NE on March 26, 2016. Funeral services will be on Friday, April 1, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bethany Lutheran Church south of Axtell with Rev. David Evenson officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the funeral service. Craig Funeral Home in Minden is in charge of arrangements.

Bernice was born on October 10, 1923, to Arthur and Esther (Becander) Rapp. She graduated from Holdrege High School, attended Gustavus Adolphus and Luther Colleges, and worked in Dallas, Omaha, Lincoln, and Holdrege.

On August 20, 1950, Bernice married Delmar Nelson and they farmed and raised their three daughters near Axtell, NE. She was active in the community and belonged to Woman's Club, Double C Extension Club, and the VFW Auxiliary, and was a 4-H leader for several years. She was also active in church and Bible studies. Bernice enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, genealogy and quilting.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, daughter Lori, her parents, brothers Tennis and Warren and sister Marie. Surviving family members are daughters and spouses Jolene and Scott McGerr of Lincoln, Judy and Gary English of Alvaton, KY, granddaughter and spouse Kristina and Douglas Robinson of Eugene OR, grandson and spouse Stephen Osberg and Rachel Jacobson of Omaha, and great granddaughter Cleo Osberg.

Services will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, Axtell, NE, on Friday, April 1, 2016 at 2:00 pm. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer's Association of the Great Plains, Axtell Public Library, or Bethany Lutheran Church.