Gloria J. Nelson

1923 - 2017

Gloria J. Nelson 1923—2017
Gloria J. Nelson, 93, of Rockford, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2017, with family at her side. She was born October 25, 1923, in Rockford, IL, the daughter of Richard B. and Ella M. (Peterson) Whale. She married Robert C. Nelson on August 14, 1954, in Rockford, and they enjoyed 60 wonderful years together. Gloria was a 1941 graduate of East High School and earned a B.A. in Sociology at University of Iowa. She taught nursery school at Rockford Day Nursery before becoming a caseworker at Children's Home of Rockford, and in 1949, became a policewoman on the Rockford Police Department, where she worked for over 10 years. Gloria was one of two policewomen on the force, and together they conducted criminal investigations, took statements from women and children who were in custody, questioned victims in assault cases, and made sure the women's quarters in the city jail were kept clean. Gloria was a people person, interested in listening, and giving guidance to others. She enjoyed flowers, pretty things, cooking and entertaining, taking drives out of town, picnics, shopping, celebrations with family and friends, whales, and the color pink. Above all, she loved being a homemaker, taking care of family, and spending time with her grandchildren. Her favorite places to travel were Pensacola Beach and Door County, both of which many family vacations took place. She was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she served on Altar Guild. She is survived by her daughter, Susan E. (Mark) Dietmeier of Roscoe; grandchildren, Nicholas and Katie; as well as cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and infant son. We are forever grateful for ongoing kindness of neighbors, friends, and Dr. Woodman, as well as our very special caregiver(s), along with everyone from hospice, who all became friends.
Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Avenue, Rockford, with Rev. Jay Quinn of Trinity Lutheran Church, officiating. Visitation from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. prior to the service. Private burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of America, 3815 N Mulford Rd # 4, Rockford, IL 61114. To share a memory or online condolence, visit olsonfh.com.