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Naomi E. Nelson
Naomi E. Nelson
October 20, 1930 - August 02, 2010
Rock Island, Illinois

Visitation: 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday August 04, 2010 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island, Ill.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Thursday August 05, 2010 at First Lutheran Church, 1230 5th Ave., Moline, Ill.
Interment: Private , at National Cemetery, Rock Island, Ill.

Naomi E. Nelson, 79, of Rock Island, died on August 2, 2010 at Trinity Pathway Hospice, Bettendorf after a brief battle against a very aggressive cancer. Visitation is on Wednesday, August 4 from 3-7pm at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home in Rock Island. Funeral services will be on Thursday, August 5 at 11:00am at First Lutheran Church, Moline. Burial will be held at a later date at National Cemetery Rock Island Arsenal. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Pathway Hospice, Bettendorf or First Lutheran Church, Moline.

Naomi was born October 20, 1930 at Great Falls, Montana, the eldest child of Rev. Dr. G.T. Monson and Helen Gustafson Monson. She and her family lived in diverse locales, including Great Falls, Bertrand, NE, Oakland, CA, Center City, MN, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Kansas City, MO.

In 1952, Naomi graduated from Lutheran Hospital School for Nurses in Moline. That same year she married Rev. Dr. Allen C. Nelson and together they served the churches of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lansing, IL, and St. James Lutheran Church in Rock Island. Naomi was a strong supporter of their shared ministry, becoming deeply involved with and affecting the lives of the parishioners. She continued this commitment to Christ’s work after joining First Lutheran in Moline, participating in the choir, bell choir, playing the organ for services and serving on the church council for many years. She also played organ for Peace Lutheran Church, Port Byron for many years.

While engaged in these ministry and church activities, Naomi was the manager of a growing family and at the same time for most of her life worked full time as a nurse. She was also committed to community and charitable service. She was a member of the Rock Island County Board of Health for many years and served a term as President. She was President of the Junior Women’s Club of Rock Island, President of the Lutheran Hospital Auxiliary, and President and lifetime member of the Lutheran Hospital School for Nurses

Alumni Association.

One of her proudest and most noteworthy professional achievements was her instrumental role in establishing the Hospice program for the care of terminally ill patients for Trinity Health Systems, providing dignified care and treatment to patients and their families. For this and other lifetime service, she received the Distinguished Alumnus Achievement Award from the Trinity Nursing Alumni Association in 2002.

Naomi was a talented musician and nourished a lifetime love of music in all forms. She taught and inspired hundreds of piano students, instilling in them that same commitment to pursue their musical journey. She was also an accomplished organist and accompanist.

Naomi took great pride in her dedicated service to her patients, in inspiring young musicians to excel, but especially in raising her four sons. She was very proud of her Swedish heritage, visiting distant relatives in the “old country”, and she loved to spend as much time as possible at the family lake home in Minnesota, teaching her children, relatives and then grandchildren about the lake and how to fish.

Naomi is survived by her sons and daughters in law, Mark and Gail, Naperville, IL, Barry and Erica, Wheaton, IL, Brent and Grace, Thousand Oaks, CA, and Brian and Terri, Rock Island; grandchildren Matthew, Patrick, Corinne, Carl, Drew and Claire; her brother, Rev. Daniel Monson, Fremont, NE; and her sister Alice Shaffer, San Antonio, TX. She was preceded in death by her sister, Helen Lindgren; brother, David Monson; and in 2007, her husband Allen.



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Dear family of Naomi Nelson, We are deeply saddened to learn of Naomi's death. We have been friends through our retired pastor's group since moving to Geneseo 18 yrs. ago. I graduated from MPH school of nursing so share that in common with Naomi. Allen was a classmate at Gustavus with Virgil and one yr. ahead of him at the seminary. We shared many warm and fun times together in fellowship through the years. Naomi was a unique, gifted person and a good friend. She will be greatly missed by all. We pray for God's comfort at your loss. Our love, Marilyn and Virgil Juliot
-- Marilyn and Virgil Juliot

I was so saddened to hear of Naomi's passing. She was such a wonderful woman and cared so much for the community. Naomi served on the board of health for the Rock Island County Health Department for many years. We were lucky to have her leadership and nursing knowledge. I will miss her greatly. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
-- Wendy Trute

We will miss Grandma Nonie everyday...especially during our trips to the cabin in MN. We love you, always
-- Erica Nelson, Corinne and Carl

To the family of Naomi and to Brian Terri especially. I am Judy McCollums sister. I will never forge Naomi as she welcomed the new comers that started at Lutheran and she was always helpful to the lowest on the latter of employees as well as the highest. I am not surprised she started the hospice program. She made a difference and I will never forget her. I would be there to honor her and Judy would to but we are leaving for Switzerland tomorrow to see my daughter. In deep regards, Mary Boquist
-- Mary Boquist

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I worked with you mother at Lutheran, United and Trinity, she will be sadly missed. what a joy she was to work with and talk to.
-- Gwen

I am praying for your family. She has had great sercice to the Health Department, and we thank you for that.
-- Misty Sierens

Dear Friends: Please accept our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Naomi. Your entire family has lead a life dedicated to Christian service and Naomi's life reflected that dedication. I have fond memories of having worked with her over the years in various capacities. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers in the difficult days ahead.
-- Linnea Thompson & Al McCaulley

Friends and family of Naomi,

We are all deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Naomi. Because of the physical distance between us, we rarely had the opportunity to spend time together, but the times we did spend together at the cabin, in Omaha, and once a long time ago in Washington will always be remembered. When my folks, Paul and Helen passed away, Naomi and the other siblings and cousins were a great comfort to us. When we had the memorial service at the lake for Helen, the music and the singing and the love that the family shared still bring tears to my eyes.

I will miss Naomi, but the thought of her spirit and loving nature, and the wonderful family she was raised with, and helped raise, bring me comfort, as surely they will continue in her loving ways.

Blessings and peace to all from the Central Oregon branch of Lindgrens (Monsons)

Carl, Teresa, Britney, Courtney and Chad Lindgren Madras, Oregon
-- Carl D. Lindgren

To Naomi's family, I don't even know how long I have known her. Too long to remember. I am a Lutheran grad, also, and she was always involved in so many things... What a wonderful person!!! I liked her so much. I can't believe that Naomi was 79 but then, I'm 66 so I guess that would be about right. My prayers, sympathies and love are with you at this time. Just hard to believe. Naomi Nelson gone... I haven't seen her for awhile and now I wish that I had. But, that's the way life is... God Bless all of you.
-- Wendy Bergstrom Fifer

Our sympathy to Naomi's family and loved ones at this time of sorrow. We have been blessed to be friends with Mark and Gail Nelson and their family, Matt and Patrick. It is clear that their love and passion for music and the arts was lovingly passed on to them by Naomi. We are only sorry that we did not have the pleasure to know her personally. It is clear that Naomi touched the hearts of many with her generosity to all that she came in contact with over her years of faithful and dedicated Christian service. Special blessings to all of you at this time. With love, the Hallen Family
-- Mark, Laura, Megan and Kristen Hallen

Dear family of Naomi: I am a newer member of First Lutheran Church and I got to know Naomi in the kitchen. She was a delight to work with and I always enjoyed chatting with her during our work together. She had a huge heart and loved life to it's fullest. I am so sad for you all. Losing her must be very hard. I am sure you will miss her. After reading Don Piper's "Ninty Minutes in Heaven" and hearing him speak in person, I am happy for Naomi. She is now in the place of eternal peace and happiness . She will watch over you all and you will keep her in your hearts til you see her again in heaven. I hope this helps comfort you and give you peace. God bless you all in your grief and give you peaceful hearts. Sue
-- Sue Welty

I've known Naomi for over 20 years, and she has been a dear friend. She will be missed by many people.
-- Annette Ullrick

To the family of such a sweet person: Naomi was a very nice person. I didn't know her very well because I only saw her at my daughters' practices or recitals. But I have to tell you that whenever we had a chance to talk she was always a positive person. My daughter took piano lessons from her for about a year. My daughter wasn't a gifted student but Naomi was always encouraging her to keep practicing and telling her she would get better. Naomi had the patience of a saint. Please accept our sympathies during your time of loss.
-- Dori Zeglin

Our hearts are reaching out to all of the Nelson family. We are so sorry for your loss.
-- Tom and Pat Ruggaber

Dear Family of Naomi, I was sad to hear of the sudden illness and death of Naomi. I worked with Naomi on the Pathway Hospice Unit, she was so caring and gifted, I know she was a blessing to many and will be missed. I pray for the comfort of the Lord and fond memories of wonderful times with Naomi over the years. God bless you, Linda
-- Linda Guebert

I was very saddened to hear about Naomi. She'll be missed by many. My family never had the privelege of meeting her personally; we knew her through Alice. Alice often spoke of her sister and it was obvious that they shared a wonderful relationship. Naomi was a kind and generous person. She extended to me her prayers and condolences at the sudden loss of my husband, Scott, earlier this year. And on many occasions, she extended an invitation to our family to join Alice and my father-in-law, Bruce, for a fun-filled stay at the cabin. We'll always have fond memories of our trips to "the cabin in Minnesota". Thank you...

God bless and I wish you and your families comfort in your time of sorrow.

Susie, Lauren, & Chris Kelso
-- Susie Kelso

All of the Nelsons have been in our thoughts and prayers for the last several days. We wish we could be there to support you. Naomi lived a wonderful life. Surely this has given you and her great peace in this time of sorrow. Big hugs all around! Brent and Grace have a save trip home and we will see you soon. Love, The Hoffmans
-- Kevin and Julie Hoffman family

Our sincere sympathy to your family. Naomi was such a friend and supporter when George was at First Lutheran. Also a good neighbor when we lived in Rock Island. God's blessings and peace.
-- George and Linda Brooke

We are deeply saddened to hear of Naomi's passing. Our deepest sympathy to the family. Our prayers continue for the family.
-- The Mullenax Family

I am just learning of Naomi' s passing. I knew her from Trinity Medical Center and found her to be very passionate about the patients and their care. Please accept my sincerest sympathy.
-- Mary Jackson

Mrs. Nelson, I enjoyed taking piano lessons from you for almost seven years. You taught me to really appreciate playing the piano and how to better my approach. I always loved coming over to your house before your dinner time, where I'd always tease you for cooking your dinner infront of me where I could smell the good food and get hungry. Thank you for being such a great teacher and person. May God keep you and your husband together in peace.
-- Katie Higareda