  RACINE - With her family by her side, Karen Ann (nee: Johnson) Nelson, 51, passed away Tuesday, April 13, 2010, at her residence after a five-year battle with cancer. Karen was born in Fullerton, Calif. on May 6, 1958. She moved to Racine County in 1965. On August 7, 1982, she was united in marriage to David J. Nelson in Union Grove. Together, Karen and David raised two children, Sarah and Peter. Karen was a 1976 graduate of Union Grove High School. She earned Bachelor's Degrees from University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and University of Wisconsin - Parkside. Karen was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she served as their Northside Preschool's Treasurer for 12 years. Karen loved Girl Scouting and was Co-leader of her daughter's Troop #301 for 11 years. After being a Troop Leader, Karen served on the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts of Racine County and was the last President before the council's regional merger. Karen was a Realtor for Coldwell Banker for six years. She was also a longtime member of the Greater Racine Kennel Club and chair of their annual Pershing Park dog show for several years. Karen served as Racine County Supervisor for District 5 for three terms. While on the County Board, she chaired the Finance and Human Resources Committee and was a member of the Economic Development and Land Use Planning Committee. Above all, Karen treasured time spent with her family and many friends. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening and working with her dogs. She never turned down an opportunity to have coffee and donuts with friends. Karen will forever be remembered as a vibrant, determined, and generous individual. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community. Survivors include her husband, David; her children, Sarah E. Nelson (Christopher Wilson) of Madison and Peter J. Nelson of Racine; her mother, Ramona J. (nee: Wheaton) Johnson of Union Grove; brother, John G. (Leanne) Johnson of McFarland; sisters, Kristin S. (Todd) Armstrong of Somers and Kathy J. (Jeff) Burton of The Woodlands, Texas; nephews, Michael, David, Shane, Justin, John, and Colin; other relatives and many dear friends. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, April 18, 2010, from 2 until 5 p.m. and Monday at the church from 11 a.m. until time of service at 12 p.m. A Memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3825 Erie Street, on Monday, 12 p.m. with Rev. Rosalind Dryver-Scott officiating. The Karen A. Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fund has been created through the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast. Memorials to the scholarship fund have been suggested. Karen's family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Michael Mullane and the staff of Oncology Alliance and Hospice Alliance. MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME 803 Main Street 634-7888 Condolences may be sent to: www.meredithfuneralhome.com
Published in Racine Journal Times on Apr. 16, 2010
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