Obituary of Carol J. Nelson

Nelson, Carol J. age 71, of Peoria passed away on Tuesday December 23, 2014. She was born in Minneapolis, MN on March 25, 1943, to Charles and Valma Ulmer. She is survived by her husband John V. Nelson. They were married on July 1, 1967 at St. Joan of Arc in Minneapolis, MN. She is also survived by her son Kurt M. Nelson (Nancy), two grandsons, Sacha and Soren Nelson of New York, NY, sister, Patricia Allen (Bruce), brother, Gerald Ulmer (Merry), brother, Ronald Ulmer, and brother, David Ulmer (Julie). She was preceded in death by son, Kevin M. Nelson, grandson, Tobias Nelson, and brother, C. Thomas Ulmer (Carlene). Carol grew up on the Minneapolis south side, which is probably the reason she loved country music. She graduated from Holy Angels Academy in 1961, and went right to work. Carol held a number of credit department positions at major retailers. Her outgoing and disciplined attitude served her well as John took different jobs and asked her to move a few times. Peoria is where they landed and stayed. She was a major asset to John's accounting practice while raising two sons with a lot of energy. Carol liked being a mother, making sure her boys played in little league and did well in school. Carol was always her daddy's daughter with an entrepreneurial drive to run her own business. She had a passion for Swarovski crystals, and making handcrafted jewelry. Her company "Calla Lily Jewels" became a proud achievement for that passion and drive and the social contact was always the reason for her involvement. Every mother wants to become a grandmother and desires to hug and nurture young minds and bodies. Real unconditional love comes with your own children, but the strongest love comes with grandchildren. Sacha and Soren became her reason to live, and she experienced a bond with them that only a grandmother can feel. She gave of herself what she could even though her physical strength had waned. Carol will be missed by all who experienced her love and friendship. A memorial service for Carol will be held 11:00 AM on January 3, 2015, in Minneapolis at First Memorial Funeral Chapel 4343 Nicollet Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55409 612.825.4567 A visitation gathering will follow the service. A "Celebration of Carol's Life" will be held in Peoria, Illinois on January 6, 2015 at; Weaver Ridge Club House 5100 N Weaver Ridge Blvd. This will be an open house format between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Time of attendance is your choice. The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be given to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home as a thank you for the loving care they gave Carol in her final days. Donations can be mailed to: OSF Home Care Services, Attn: Donna Medina, Vice president of Hospice and Foundation, 2265 W. Altorfer Dr., Peoria, Illinois 61615. The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences: csmico.com