Kaye F. Nelson

Kaye Frances (nee Plantenberg) Nelson, 88, of Rio Vista, CA died peacefully and surrounded by love in her home on Sunday, February 9, 2025, in Rio Vista, CA.  The funeral service will be on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Emerson, NE.  The visitation will be one hour before the funeral at the church.  The burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Emerson, NE.  Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.  Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smtih Funeral Home.  

She was born August 3, 1936 on the family farm in Emerson, Nebraska.

Kaye studied Social Work at Wayne State University before moving to San Francisco, CA to work in the burgeoning airline industry and devote herself to raising her two children, something she often said was her greatest achievement.

Kaye was an avid world traveler, talented photographer, and skilled gardener. She spent time in Europe, South America, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean. She held a deep appreciation of indigenous and regional cultures, which was reflected in her writing and stunning photographs. Her roses, too, were works of art; often the subject of photographers and her son’s paintings.

Kaye was also an adventurer, having trekked to Patagonia and the highlands of Bolivia. She was often heard saying she wanted to be a good example for her children, to be bold and fearless. Shortly after retirement, she embarked on a sailboat journey with her life partner, Dennis. They spent several years making months-long stops on their way to South America.

Several years later, they returned to the San Francisco Bay Area where they shared time with family and friends, spent time in the garden, and developed a passion for watching birds.

Kaye is survived by her life partner, Dennis Barr, her daughter, Holly, and her son, Jay, and daughter-in-law, Teresa.