Nina Ingegard Marie Nilsson Burgener

She was born Nina Ingegard Marie Nilsson on May 12, 1935 in Tore, Sweden (miles from the Arctic Circle) with coal black hair which later became "towhead" ivory white blond. Nina came to the US with her parents Gunnar and Ebba by cruise liner when she was 2 yrs old and declared "Nu ar vi pa landigen" (now we are on land again). At home she and her brother Carl spoke only Swedish until going to school. Nina was raised in Chicago in the Swedish community with all things Swedish: bakeries, clubs, music, churches and school activities. She grew up blocks from Wrigley Field and frequently enjoyed the games. She attended North Park Academy and then nursing college at the University of Illinois were she met Ivan. She was brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through Ivan and studying Biblical scriptures. She was amazed that a person could be saved and really talk to God through

prayer. They were married and began to serve the Lord together which they did for 71 years, celebrating their anniversary this past May.

Nina and Ivan's ministry to spread the Gospel took them to

Alaska & Hawaii, Bahamas. Brazil, China, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Norway.

Her ministry as household manager, chef, chauffeur, editor, secretary and champion of children characterized her life of living out the gospel of Jesus Christ. She welcomed all into her home, cabin or campgrounds graciously preparing additional food or overnight accommodations for guests, many she did not know were coming. She so loved, nurtured and prayed for her children and grandchildren. It was an honor for her to be a part of their lives encouraging each one in her special way. As Sunday School Teacher, Nina loved teaching children about the Lord and His word through songs, flannel graphs, and scripture memory. She taught generations of families. One father remarked at her passing, "I'm choked up thinking of how dear she was to the kids. Really, really special."

Her spiritual gifts were exemplified when leading the Collinsville Christian Women's Connection group for many years. She was a loving, positive encourager and role model (influencer) to so many in her sweet quite way. We miss her smiling eyes of acceptance and reassurance. Many have shared that she was the kindest, sweetest or godliest woman they have ever known. What a testament to God's Grace.

Having grown up in a large city like Chicago, she so appreciated Collinsville: it's rolling hills, open spaces, woods, back roads where she was close to nature; deer, wild life, birds and all God's creatures and creation. It nourished her spirit.

Her dear Ivan was promoted to Glory in July. She is survived by her children: Ruth (Mike) Madawick, the late Phil Burgener, Lois Laynee, and Tim (Becca) Burgener; and by her grandchildren; Morgan (Ryan) Iaboni, (who called her Nana), Logan Burgener, Braden Burgener, Reagan (Dillon) Hageman, Lily Laws, Jaden Burgener (who called her Deta). and to her great-grandson Beckham Iaboni, she is his MorMorMor.

Nina is also survived by her brother, Carl (Sherry) Nilsson, brother -in-laws Will Burgener and Lowell Burgener, sister-in-laws Bernie Bowden, the late Marcia Acord, Louetta Cross and Trudy Phillips, cousins Judy (Charlie) Giovannelli, Bradley (Doris) Nelson and Benjt-ake Strand, Tage Strand & Ove Strand, the late Sandra Bloomberg, the late Sonja Johnsson and the late Sylvi Wallberg Jones as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins both in the United States and in Sweden who remember her with love and affection.

Nina loved children and spent many years teaching Sunday School. She requests memorial donations to the "Children's Education Fund" at Edgemont Bible Church, 5100 N Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208.

https://pushpay.com/g/edgemontbiblechurch

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, January 24

LakeView Funeral Home

5000 N Illinois Street

Fairview Heights IL.

Streaming is available

1100 Visitation

1130 Celebration of Life

Please share your funny, touching, and encouraging memories

Food & Fellowship

3 PM Burial

St. John's Cemetery Collinsville, IL