Catherine M. Nelson

Catherine M. (Cadwallader) Nelson, 95, of Pender, NE, died on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the Wakefield Care Center in Wakefield, NE. The visitation will be on Monday, March 31, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Pender, NE, with a prayer service starting at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Pender, NE. The burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Pender, NE. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE.

Catherine was born on December 12, 1929, in Hubbard, NE to William and Elizabeth (Sullivan) Cadwallader. She grew up on the family farm with a hardworking ethic and a love for farm animals and chickens. On February 12, 1953, Catherine married Dale D. Nelson in Hubbard, NE. Together, the couple had 5 children. She was a 60-plus-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary and served on the Catholic Church Altar Guild. Catherine was proud of her many years of selling Avon products to many ladies in the area.

Catherine was very active with her family and their many school, church, and sports activities. She joined the women’s bowling league and was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing on Twin Creeks Women’s League in the summer. Catherine and her family went on many trips and vacations. They would travel to Minnesota, where they would spend time fishing and camping. Catherine also liked to play slot machines, traveling to Las Vegas or any casino for that matter. She loved cheering for Husker Athletics or any sport her grandchildren were involved with. Catherine always had a clean and well-kept garden at her home. One of her favorite enjoyments was hosting her family and friends for cards or games, coffee, snacks and an occasional drink. Catherine always enjoyed music and even traveled to a few concerts with her grandchildren when she was 92 years old.

Catherine is survived by her daughters, Beckie (Steve) Gutzmann of Pender, NE, Shari (Tony) Henschke of Pender, NE; sons, Clay (Tami) Nelson of Pender, NE, Tim (Brenda) Nelson of Johnson Lake, NE, Brian (Lori) Nelson of Pender, NE; sisters-in-law, Marge Cadwallader of Emerson, NE, Mavis Nelson of Vermillion, SD; 15 grandchildren, Brandon (Katie) Gutzmann, Brooke (Greg) Hanna, Nathan (Quinn) Gutzmann, Cassie (Brandon) Bonar, Brady (Carly) Nelson, Kate (Matt) Penner, Heather (Neil) Chloupek, Haley (DeWayne) Zitek, Whitney (Cole) Mahlberg, Tony (Paula) Nelson, Nick Nelson (currently on the market), Jordan (Antonia) Nelson, Tyler Nelson, Alaynna (Josh) Beutler, Alexia (Ross) Pinkelman; 29 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Catherine is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale Nelson; brothers, Pat Cadwallader, Cliff Cadwallader, Charlie Cadwallader, Bud Cadwallader, William Cadwallader; sister, Frances Kuhl; brothers & sisters-in-law, Don Nelson, Ronald Nelson, Gaylord Nelson, Gordon Nelson, Gary Nelson, Myrna Rahn, Twilia Taylor, Leona Bottorff, Ramona Kamrath, Adeline Bostwick, and their spouses; and great-grandson, Wesley Nelson.