Dorothy I. Nelson

Dorothy I. Nelson, 97, of Galesburg, died at 2:34 p.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2016, in Marigold Health Care Center.

Dorothy was born March 28, 1918 in Bushnell, Illinois, the daughter of Carl R. and Ione (Martin) Nagel.  She married Leonard V. Benson on August 25, 1940.  He preceded her in death in 1975.  In 1981, she married Clifford P. Nelson.  He preceded her in death.

Surviving are three daughters, Linda Benson of Arnold, Missouri, Lana (and Frank) Peterson of Imperial, Missouri, and Brenda Jacobs of Knoxville, Illinois; five grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.  In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, Victor and Joyce Nagel; and a son-in-law, Don Jacobs.

Dorothy was raised in Bushnell, graduating from high school there in 1936.  She attended Western Illinois University and then graduated from beauty school in Macomb.  She moved to Galesburg and lived here for many years until 1968.  After that she spent time in Jacksonville, Kewanee, and Galva before moving to St. Louis.  She came back to Galesburg in 2010. 

Dorothy worked as a beautician out of her home and for a number of beauty shops throughout her life.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Galva.  Dorothy enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and cooking for her family.

Cremation will be accorded.  Private family memorial services will be held Saturday, January 16, 2016, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel.  Burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens.  There will be no visitation.  Memorial contributions in Dorothy’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.