Helen Josephine Casberg Nelson, 96, died April 18, 2012, at the Hillview Health Care Center, La Crosse.
She was born June 23, 1915, to Henry and Josephine (Stoen) Casberg, in Casberg Coulee, Holmen. Helen’s mother died on Dec 19, 1918, at the age of 34. Helen was raised by her maternal grandmother, Barbara Hanson, in Holmen. She was confirmed by the Rev. Berrum in May 1929, at the Holmen Lutheran Church. She graduated from Holmen High School in 1934.
Helen married Alden J. Nelson on Feb. 20, 1935, in Holmen, by the Rev. H.C. Smeby. They were married for 66 years and 7 months. Alden preceded her in death on Oct. 6, 2001.
Helen and Alden lived in the Holmen area all their married lives, except for 18 years (1957 to 1975), when they lived in Silver Lake.
In 1975, they returned to Casberg Coulee. They built their home on the Samuelstad property (Casberg ancestral land) where they had lived in the early 1940s, until a fire destroyed their home. Their home overlooked the farm where Helen was born.
Helen’s life was a long and fruitful journey. She and Alden had five children, who survive her; Joan Fassett, Bloomington, IL; Jon (Gloria) Nelson, Stewartville, Minn.; Joy (Lynn) Crysler, Spring Grove, IL; Jerry (Kathy) Nelson, Holmen and (Josephine) Barbara (John) Rausch, Twin Lakes.
She is survived by 18 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren, and two nephews, Connie (Mary) Steele, Viroqua and Howard Steele, Boynton Beach, Fla.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Mildred Casberg and Anna Steele, and five brothers; Clinton, James, Benard, Carl, and Roy.
During their marriage, Helen and Alden made three trips to Norway. They also made 12 trips to Kaneohe, Hawaii, spending their winters with daughter, Joy. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary at the Oceanarium Restaurant in Waikiki.
Helen was a member of the Sons of Norway and the Holmen Historic Society. (Helen loved all things Norwegian.) She belonged to the Homemaker’s Club in Holmen and Kenosha County, having joined the Holmen Club at the age of 18. She taught several classes through WWTC: “Make It Yourself with Wool,” Rosemaling and quilting. She was a charter member of the W.I.M. Doll Club.
Helen worked at Doerflingers, La Crosse, and in the library at
Westosha Central High School. She and Alden were charter members of Christ Lutheran Church in Paddock Lake. The church was started in April 1963.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 28, at Holmen Lutheran Church, 228 Morris Street, Holmen. The Rev. Dan Henderson officiated and burial was in the Long Coulee Cemetery. Friends may visit the church from 10 a.m. until time of service.
Well-wishers can sign her online guestbook at www.dickinsonfuernalhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Holmen Lutheran Church or Holmen Fire Department.
The Dickinson Funeral Home of La Crosse assisted the family.