Obituary

Pauline G. Nelson, 92, of Rockford, IL, passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center. Born June 29, 1930 in Evanston, IL, the daughter of Paul and Astrid (Carlson) Holaine, Polly graduated from Rockford East High School in 1948. She attended Trinity College in Deerfield, IL, and the Swedish American School of Nursing, class of 1956. She worked as a Pediatric Registered Nurse at Swedish American Hospital for more than 30 years. On August 13, 1960, Polly and Kenneth G. Nelson were married at First Evangelical Free Church in Rockford. She loved her church family dearly, and faithfully served many years as a Deaconess, choir member, Jr. High youth leader, member of the Virginia Circle, and in numerous Bible studies. Together, Ken and Polly enjoyed golfing, going for walks, and getting together with friends. Ken and Polly especially loved family celebrations and vacations in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Polly's favorite pastimes were gardening, cross-stitch projects, reading, and jigsaw puzzles. Most of all, Polly was a loving and selfless wife to Ken, mother to two daughters, and MorMor to two grandsons and two great-grandchildren.
Survived by her husband, Kenneth G. Nelson; daughters, Karen (Keith) Christianson and Kathy Nelson of Rockford, IL; grandchildren, Trevor Christianson and Casey (Mallory) Christianson; great-grandchildren, Mabel and August; sister, Inga Sandberg of Rockford, IL; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Nelson of Rockford, IL; nieces and nephews, Mark (Marcia) Larson of El Cajon, CA, Shari (Larry) Sparks of Thousand Oaks, CA, Jeff (Carol) Larson of Rockford, IL, Jodi Kempin of Rockford, IL, and their families. Predeceased by her parents and two brothers-in-law, Cliff Sandberg and Edwin Nelson.
Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 25 at First Free Rockford, 2223 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford IL, 61107, with Reverend Chuck Rife and Bertie Holmgren co-officiating. Private family burial will take place on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Scandinavian Cemetery, 1700 Rural St., Rockford IL, 61107.
The family would like to thank Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center and Unity Hospice for their loving care in Polly's final days. Memorials may be made to First Free Church or Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center.
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