Helen Jean Nelson

Helen Jean Nelson, 90, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2024, at Brookdale Skyline in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Helen was born in Stromsburg, Nebraska, on February 3, 1934, to Arthur and Esther Hultquist.

From the tender age of four, Helen began playing the piano by ear. As a young girl she played the piano for church, school events and family gatherings. In college, Helen was the accompanist for many choirs and musical events.

Helen had a beautiful soprano voice. She and her twin sister, Harriet, sang together as young girls and in high school and college choirs. While in college, the sisters sang in a trio called “The Lutherettes” and in an a cappella choir. They performed often and even recorded their songs.

Helen shared her love for music with her two daughters and seven granddaughters often playing the piano surrounded by family singing hymns and Christmas carols.

Helen graduated from Stromsburg High School in 1951. In May of 1954, she earned an Associate Degree in Education from Luther Junior College in Wahoo, Nebraska. She taught 3rd and 4th graders in three Nebraska communities. Helen returned to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln to complete her Bachelor of Science in Education degree which she received in February 1958.

On June 15, 1958, Helen married Paul Nelson of Ceresco, Nebraska. They were married for 61 years until Paul passed away in 2019. They were blessed with two daughters, Lori and Lisa. Helen taught elementary students in the Westside School District in Omaha from 1958 – 1961 and then worked as a paraprofessional for 25 years.

Paul and Helen volunteered in the gift shop at Immanuel Hospital in Omaha for many years. They were loyal choir members of their church, Messiah Lutheran, in Ralston, Nebraska. They enjoyed attending the Omaha Symphony and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic after their move to Colorado Springs in 2011. Paul and Helen became members of First Presbyterian Church and enjoyed attending Sunday School.

Helen was a devoted letter writer to her family and friends desiring to keep in touch. She enjoyed reading her daily Bible devotions and spending time in prayer. She also enjoyed reading cookbooks. She prepared many delicious meals for her family. Being with her family brought her much joy.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Lori (Miles) Dewhirst and granddaughters, Julia (Gared) Bowers, and great-granddaughters, Mara Bowers and Addi Bowers, Breanne (AJ) Brulotte, and great-granddaughter, Evie Brulotte, and granddaughter, Abby Dewhirst; Lisa (Ted) Presley and granddaughters, Alyssa (Aaron) Voss, Laura (Slava) Laptsevitch, Kirsten (Carter) Franze, and Erin Presley. Helen is also survived by her twin sister, Harriet Fenster and by many special nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday, January 31, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 219 E. Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO. A private family burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Deacon’s Fund for First Presbyterian Church, 219 E. Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO. 80903.

Serving as pallbearers are Miles Dewhirst, Ted Presley, Gared Bowers, AJ Brulotte, Alyssa Voss and Carter Franze.