Helen L. Nelson

KEWANEE – Helen Louise Nelson, 81, of Kewanee, died at 5:23 p.m., Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee.

She was born on August 8, 1943 in Kewanee, the daughter of Harold and Helen (Milslagle) Kersey. She attended Kewanee High School. Throughout her life Helen faced every day as a new day. For over 20 years she worked as an alteration specialist, owning and operating Helen’s Stitch and Tyme. She raised five children and had married Thomas E. Kelly in September of 1960 and he preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Helen, a brother, Harold Kersey Jr. and a grandson, Zachary Kelly.

Survivors include her husband, Loren R. Nelson, her four sons: Joseph, Shane, Shawn and Terry Kelly, her daughter, Missy Kelly and a brother, Rick Kersey. She also has fourteen grandchildren and many great grandchildren whom she loved and adored.

Cremation will be accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Saturday, May 10 at the main shelter at Windmont Park in Kewanee. Refreshments will be provided. Memorials may be directed to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the American Cancer Society. Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen L. Nelson, please visit our floral store.