Selma J. Nelson, 97, of Beaver Dam passed away on Monday, May 16, 2016 at the Charleston House – Memory Care in Beaver Dam.
Selma was born the daughter of Benjamin and Alice (Brandsma) Sytsma on June 24, 1918 in township of Randolph. She was a graduate of Randolph High School. In 1938, she was married to Merrill Helbing. He preceded her in death in 1971. She was later married to Herbert “Hub” Nelson in 1979. He preceded her in death in 1980.
Selma was a member of Trinity Church – United Methodist in Beaver Dam for over 70 years. She especially enjoyed being with her family and seeing all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Selma is survived by her daughters: Sandra (David) Reinke of Beaver Dam and Gail (A. Jerry) Phillips of Madison; her grandchildren: Mike (Tracy) Yaktus, Sue (Brian) Mayer, Todd (Annette) Helbing, Tracy (Mike) Lent, Greg (Cathy) Phillips, Mindy (Lee) Harvard, and Brady Phillips; her great-grandchildren: Zack McNally, Jordan Durst, Avery Yaktus, Skylar Yaktus, Leah Harvard, Rachel Harvard, Hunter Phillips, and Austin Phillips; and further survived by other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, her son, Gary Helbing, two brothers: Edward and Don Sytsma, and her sister, Carol DeGraff.
A memorial gathering will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at Trinity Church – United Methodist in Beaver Dam from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. The Rev. Jeff Nicholas will officiate. Inurnment will take place at Highland Memory Gardens, township of Trenton, WI.
Memorials may be directed to Trinity Church – United Methodist in Beaver Dam.
Selma’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Charleston House in Beaver Dam and her special friends, Bob, Jean and Rose.
Koepsell-Murray Funeral and Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com
