Stella J. Komar Nelson

Stella J. Nelson (nee Komar), age 93, of Des Plaines, passed away on February 4, 2017; Loving wife for 57 years of the late Howard A. Nelson; Survived by her beloved daughter Janice (Warren) Marrs and his sons John and Zachery. Proceeded in death by her loving son Arthur Nelson and baby daughter Karen Nelson; Cherished daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Komar; Dear sister of Mary (the late Fred) Vernon, and the late Frances (John) Cielak, Bill (Lillian) Niewiadomski, Anne (Edward) Nedza, Helen (Walter) Mikolajczyk, and Joseph Komar Jr.; Cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and one great-great-great nephew. Loving friend to all who knew her.

Born on November 20, 1923, Stella was raised in Chicago. She worked at Nu-Dell Manufacturing as a Sales Manager for over 50 years, retiring at the age of 67, but still working trade shows until her early 80's. As a young woman, Stella and her sister Mary danced at ballrooms throughout Chicago, particularly the Aragon Ballroom where she met her future husband, Howie. At the Aragon, Howie and Stella were both members of the "400" club, instructing less experienced dancers how to dance. They married on April 17, 1948. After moving to Niles and then on to Des Plaines, they became involved with two Swedish Heritage organizations, the Scandinavian Fraternity of America and The Independent Order of Svithiod. They were very active in both organizations, gaining lifelong friendships. And, although Stella was 100% Polish and Howie was the Swede, Stella was the one who rose through the ranks of both organizations, becoming President of their local lodges and then achieving the highest rank of Supreme President of the nationwide Scandinavian Fraternity of America and Grand Master of the Independent Order of Svithiod. Stella always said that she liked to work hard and play hard. She lived life to the fullest and often commented as to how blessed she was to have led such a wonderful life.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 10 from 3-8 PM at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street in Des Plaines. Prayers will be said on Saturday, February 11 at 10:15 at the funeral home and proceed to St. Emily Church, 1400 E Central Road, Mt. Prospect with a funeral mass at 11am. Interment Maryhill cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Svithiod Scholarship Fund, Independent Order of Svithiod, 5518 W. Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL 60630-1191. Funeral info 847-824-5155 or oehlerfuneralhome.com.