Caroline Kerstin Nelson

Caroline Kerstin Nelson 94 died May 27, 2025 at Memorial Medical Center. She was born on October 28, 1930 the daughter of Emil Arthur and Caroline Marie (Bretscher) Nelson. Her parents preceded her in death. Caroline graduated from Springfield High School. She obtained her B.A. from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. Her graduate studies in Medical Technology were taken at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI with a M.S. degree being granted by Wayne State University. She furthered her education by obtaining a M.A. degree in Education from Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI through their external degree program and her professional society.

Caroline worked in several hospital laboratories in Illinois, retiring from Memorial Medical Center where she was the Education Coordinator for the School of Medical Technology. The school was affiliated with Sangamon State University where she served on the adjunct faculty as an assistant professor.

She enjoyed gardening, traveling, knitting, crocheting, sewing and dearly loved her cats.

She was a member of the American and Illinois Societies for Clinical Laboratory Science, Zonta International and the Zonta Club of Springfield, AAUW, Christian Women’s Connection, Academy of Life Long Learning, Springfield Civic Garden Club, Lincoln Land Depression Glass Club, Red Hats, Illinois and Springfield Audubon Societies and Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church.

In 1973 she was chosen Illinois Medical Technologist of the year and nominated for the national award by her Professional Society.

She was a violinist who was a member of the Springfield Symphony, until it became a professional orchestra, Milliken-Decatur Symphony and the Jacksonville Symphony.

She is survived by cousins and friends. She was also very grateful to her Home Instead caretakers that lovingly cared for her for many years allowing her to continue to live in her home until her death.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 on Wednesday June 4, 2025 with service starting at 10:30 at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 W. Koke Mill Road, Springfield, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Augustana College, 639 38th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201; the Amelia Earhart Fellowship Fund of Zonta International, ATTN: Contributions 4837 Paysphere Circle Chicago, IL 60674 or Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, 220 S. 2nd Street, Springfield, IL 62701.