Ethel Anna Martens Nelson

Ethel Anna Martens Nelson passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026. She was 96. Ethel was born February 16, 1930, on a farm in Wabaunsee County, KS, south of Belvue to Henry and Anna (Schweir) Martens.

Ethel married the love of her life, Wallace C. Nelson, on November 20, 1947, at the Wells Creek Evangelical Church. They spent 52 years together before his death in 1999. She was preceded in death by her parents and her three brothers: John, Loran (her twin) and William Martens.

Ethel is survived by the children she always championed: Ken Nelson (Ruth), Don Nelson (Sharon) and Kathy Schmidtberger (Toby), of Topeka, five grandsons, three granddaughters, seven great-grandsons, one great-granddaughter, several nieces, nephews, and extended family here and in Sweden.

Ethel held the important position of mother and wife for most of her adult life, but also worked at Casual Aire, Adler’s and Similar Mode Uniform after her family was grown. She was a member of the Highland Park United Methodist Church, a life member of the Eastern Star, chapter 441, Wakefield, KS and together with Wallace, the Top Kan Twirlers Square Dance Club. She also volunteered multiple years at the snack bar at Hayden Catholic High School, Topeka, KS, in support of her grandchildren. She said the two trips she and Wallace made to Sweden to visit relatives were the greatest adventures of her life.

A family visitation will be held from 9 am to 11 am at the Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Avenue on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 followed by a burial service at the Riley County Cemetery, Riley, KS, at 1:30 pm.

Memorial contributions to the Immanuel Faith Community Church Wells Creek, 25043 Wells Creek Road, Belvue, KS 66407 are sincerely appreciated. Please write Ethel Nelson Memorial on the memo line. Ethel was baptized, confirmed and married at that church.

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