Ethel Sasse Nelson
September 05, 2010
Ethel Sasse Nelson, 94, died Sunday, September 5, 2010 at Calvin Community in Des Moines, Iowa. Ethel was born in Mason City, Iowa February 28, 1916 to August Gehler and Kate Conley. After Kate’s passing, she was raised by her father and step-mother, Florentine Gehler. Ethel married Carl Sasse April 4, 1939 and lived in Clarion, Iowa. Carl died July 24, 1973.
In 1974, Ethel moved back to Mason City, Iowa and married Marshall Nelson on December 11, 1981 at the Little Brown Church in the Vale, Nashua, Iowa. Marshall passed away August 11, 2009.
Ethel’s two children, Gus and Starr, remember their mom always working hard. While growing up, she owned and managed rental property in their neighborhood. She candled eggs at the Clarion Produce for many years. She was most proud of being a nurse’s aide and medication aide at the Good Shepherd Home in Mason City.
Ethel was preceded in death by her baby son, Robert; loving husband of 34 years, Carl Sasse; loving spouse of 27 years, Marshall Nelson; her two sisters, Betty and Kathleen; one brother, August John; step-son, John and step-daughter, Louise.
Ethel is survived by her children, August “Gus” (Margaret) Sasse of Mason City, Iowa, Starr (Mark) Kirchner of Ankeny, Iowa and Jack (Lois) Nelson of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She has seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, with burial to follow at Oralabor Cemetery in Ankeny. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvin Community Good Samaritan Fund, 4210 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50310, in loving memory of Ethel.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jack and Lois Nelson
09/14/2010
Ethel was a second Mom to me and made my Dad Marshall happy. It's wonderful that they were both able to find love again in each other and had many happy years together.We love Ethel and we will miss her.We pray that God will comfort all of Ethel's family and friends.
Terri Carter & family
09/14/2010
Ethel was my Grandma (she married my Grandpa a few years after my Grandma Mae died)she was sweet,kind and caring.I was only able to visit her a few times(because I live so far away) she always made me feel welcome & loved.I love her & will miss her. For Ethel's other family members & friends I pray The Lord will give you strength,comfort & peace.