Patricia Nelson

PAXTON - Patricia "Pat" Nelson, 68, of Paxton died at 12:57 p.m. Friday (May 16, 2025) at Fairfield Senior Living & Rehab, Fairfield.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with Pastor Keith Reuther officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at the funeral home, and one hour before the funeral service Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m.

Pat was born July 28, 1956, the daughter of Dwain and Lois Ronna Grohler of Thawville. She married Rick Nelson on Nov. 12, 1977, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Buckley. They lived northwest of Paxton, where Rick farmed with his father, Stanley. She worked as a teller for First National Bank in Paxton for several years after getting married, then became a stay-at-home mom for several more years. She then worked as secretary for Evangelical Covenant Church in Paxton for 20 years, retiring in 2015.

Pat was an avid reader, often reading a paperback book a day, but also delving into large hardback historical novels and mysteries. Her book collection was extensive. She was active in her church as a Sunday school teacher, sang with the praise team and served numerous terms on the Christian Education Board. For several years, she was active with the PBL Band Boosters and with the Big Brother Big Sister organization. She was a member of the Gideons International Auxiliary and a past member of the Ladies Home Extension Group.

She enjoyed bowling, sewing and knitting, going to the movies, music, eating popcorn and traveling with Rick to various events and business meetings around the country. She especially enjoyed her time with family and friends.

Pat is survived by her husband, Rick; two sons, Christopher (Sharon) Nelson of Elkhorn, Wis., and Michael (Amanda) Nelson of Paxton; four grandchildren, Carter Nelson, Henry Nelson, Owen Nelson and Oswin "Winnie" Nelson; one sister, Sharon Friesner of Sacramento, Calif.; one brother, Vernon Grohler of Beaverville; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Gary, Jeff and Fred Grohler.

Memorials may be made to the Evangelical Covenant Church of Paxton, the Gideons International, the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.