Rita Nelson

RITA MARIE NELSON

Cedar Rapids

Rita Marie Nelson, 78, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016, at Manor Care Nursing Home in Cedar Rapids. Funeral service: 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories Stateroom. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Rita was born April 15, 1938, the daughter of Maurice and Loretta (Grief) Nebel in Hopkinton, Iowa. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Cedar Rapids and then went on to graduate from Mount Mercy with a nursing degree. She worked as a nursing supervisor for Orthopedics Surgeons in Cedar Rapids for many years. On May 7, 1960, she was married to Allen E. Nelson. He passed in 2006.

Rita enjoyed her trips to Las Vegas with her longtime high school friends. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Iowa Hawkeyes fan. Rita was a lifelong member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church. More than anything, Rita loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. As a family, they enjoyed many years at their cabin in Delhi.

Survivors include her three children, Kelly Nelson, Scott (Sandra) Nelson and Sherry Shultz; four grandchildren, Josh Shultz, Weston Shultz, Allyson Nelson and Jack Nelson; sister-in-law, Joyce Nebel; aunt, Ruth; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and beloved pet dog, Mickey.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and brother, Richard Nebel.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Mercy or the Mercy Foundation in memory of Rita.

A special thank-you to the staff of Manor Care Nursing Home for their genuine and loving care for Rita.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.