Teresa Viola Nelson's Obituary
Teresa A. Nelson, 94, of Clinton, IA, passed away Thursday, November 28th, 2024, at Genesis East Hospital, surrounded by family members and close friends.
Teresa was born January 26th, 1930, in Keokuk, IA, to Alonzo and Viola Finnerty. She was a graduate of St. Peter’s High School in Keokuk, IA. She married the love of her life, Jack (John) Nelson, on September 28th, 1950, at St. Peter’s in Keokuk. Together, Teresa and Jack cultivated a family that held true to their Irish-Catholic roots. They moved to Clinton, IA in 1965. Jack passed away in 1984 at the age of 55. Teresa became the matriarch of the family, providing inspiration and guidance for the next 40 years. Teresa was homemaker, raising five children. She worked as a host at the Clinton Country Club for 10 years, welcoming all members with her signature smile.
God, Family, & Notre Dame: These are the values that Teresa held near and dear. She was a devoted Catholic, and a member of Prince of Peace Catholic church. She was a mainstay in the front row pew for Sunday service. She volunteered with anything and everything church related. Her family was her crown jewel. She had a way of making every one of her family members feel as though they were her “favorite.” Birthdays and holidays with her family brought out a twinkle in her eye. She was an avid fan of Notre Dame football. Something that everyone was reminded of each time her phone rang to the tune of the Notre Dame Victory March. Attending a Notre Dame football game with Teresa was a rite of passage for her grandchildren. Fall Saturdays were spent glued to the TV with her Irish Rosary tightly in hand.
Teresa is survived by her five children (Ten, she considered her in-laws to be children of her own); Mark (Sharon) Nelson, Teresa (Ed) Jacobs, Pam (Scott) Witt, Deb (Pat) Bly, and Amy (Harry) Harksen; 21 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents, Alonzo and Viola; her sister, Mary Lou Biddenstadt and brother in-law, Cliff Biddenstadt; and one grandchild, Megan Jacobs.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, December 6th, 2024, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Visitors are encouraged to wear their Notre Dame gear to the visitation should they so choose. A mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 7th, 2024, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. A luncheon will follow the services. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to Prince of Peace Catholic Church.
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