Alma A. Nelson

Racine- Alma A. (nee: Klingbeil, Spranger) Nelson, 86, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan- All Saints Medical Center on Sunday evening, May 16, 2010, after suffering a stroke last week. A lifelong resident, Alma was born in Racine on May 3, 1924, to the late Gustave and Adolfena (nee: Karcher) Klingbeil. A 1941 graduate of Washington Park High School, she was employed by Jacobsen Manufacturing for over 23 years, retiring in 1987. On September 1, 1945, she was united in marriage with Harold Spranger, who preceded her in death on September 25, 1975. On April 28, 1979, Alma married Paul Nelson, who preceded her in death on August 4, 2005. With a profound Christian faith, Alma was an active member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church where she was involved with the Mission Society and the Wednesday Sewing Circle. She was also a member of the Coachmen R.V. Club. Besides travelling, she enjoyed needlework and gardening. Above all, Alma loved and cherished being in the surroundings of her entire family. Surviving are her daughters, Cheryl (Mike) Hawley of Racine and Kimberly (Ken) Merrill of Sheboygan; son, Michael (Karen) Spranger of Gainesville, FL; step-daughter, Debra (Chuck) Klimek of Franksville; grandchildren, Heather (Brian) Noll, Faith (Peter DeBono) Benson, Amanda (Eric) Carlson, Kira Merrill, Amy Klimek and Matthew Spranger; her beloved Poodle, Trixie; and by many other dear relatives and friends. Alma was a loving a gracious woman. Her gift was to make friends feel like family and for family to be blessed and enriched by her. In addition to her parents and husbands, Alma was preceded in death by her brother, William (Dorothy) Klingbeil. Visitation and viewing will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home this Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Cremation will follow the visitation on Tuesday. A Memorial Service celebrating Alma’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at 11 a.m. in First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 728 Villa St., with the Rev. John Roekle officiating. Her family will receive visitors at the church on Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Private interment will take place in Graceland Cemetery. In memory of Alma, memorials to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church – Window Fund has been suggested. A special note of thanks to Dr. Michael R. Ansani and the entire staff of Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center & Hospice for the compassionate care and support given to our Mother in her time of need. May God bless all of you!