Jacquelene Kay Nelson

Jacquelene Kay Nelson, born September 9, 1953, in St. Paul, Nebraska, passed away at home on June 28, 2026, at the age of 72. She lived a life marked by her love for Jesus, her family, and all who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, laughter, and unconditional love. She was born to Walter and Judith Kunze and attended a small country school, District 12, until second grade before continuing at St. Paul Public School, where she graduated in 1971. Those early years helped shape the qualities of selflessness, hard work, and honesty that defined her life. Jacquelene met and fell in love with Jim around Thanksgiving 1970, and they were married in January 1973. Together they built a life centered on love, faith, and family. Her favorite and most cherished role was staying at home and being a mother to Megan and Alison, who were among her greatest blessings. If there was one place Jacquelene’s heart felt most at home, it was in the kitchen. Whether preparing a holiday feast, baking something special, or teaching her grandchildren how to make a favorite family recipe. She believed the best conversations happened while cooking together, and those treasured moments will forever be part of her family’s story. Jackie loved to laugh and found incredible joy in live music, traveling, and spending time with those she loved. Among her favorite adventures were to Nice, France, and the Amalfi Coast in Italy, both of which held a special place in her heart. Above all else, Jacquelene loved Jesus. She especially loved children’s ministry and devoted herself to encouraging and teaching children about God’s love. Sharing the love of Christ was also deeply personal as she served in Hondurus and inner-city Denver on short-term mission trips, along with supporting multiple missionaries throughout the world. She is survived by her husband, James Nelson; her daughters, Megan (Jeff) Hoover and Alison (Kort) Smith; grandchildren Jenna Hoover (Barry Thomas-Balliett), Carson (Emily) Hoover, Ellie Hoover, Olivia Hoover, Emma Smith, Jackson Smith, and Rory Smith; great-grandson Sutton Hoover; sisters Pam (Doug) Lake and Gayle (Tod) Francl; brother-in-law Don Harvey; sisters-in-law Donna Kunze, Carol (Steve) Leth, and Lori (Rick) Fowler; and many other cherished family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Judith Kunze; her sister, Marcia Harvey; and her brother, Paul Russell Kunze. Although her family grieves the loss of her earthly presence, they find comfort in knowing she is exactly where she longed to be, in the arms of her Savior. Her legacy lives on through the faith she modeled, the family she cherished, and the lives she impacted. She will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and forever remembered until the day we are reunited.