Julia Nelson Obituary: With profound sadness and heartfelt sympathy, family, friends, and the Lincoln, Nebraska, community are mourning the passing of Julia Kay (Freese) Nelson, who entered eternal rest on June 30, 2026, at the age of 64. Her passing marks the loss of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, and faithful servant whose compassion and unwavering devotion touched countless lives.
Born on June 14, 1962, to Leon and Alida (Brandt) Freese of rural Plymouth, Nebraska, Julie was raised in a Christ-centered home where faith and family formed the foundation of her life. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Plymouth and pursued her education at Martin Luther Academy in New Ulm, Minnesota, Tri-County High School in Jefferson County, and later the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she earned her nursing degree.
Julie dedicated many years of her professional life to caring for others as a nurse in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit at Bryan East Hospital. Colleagues and patients alike admired her calm demeanor, compassionate heart, and unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care during life’s most challenging moments. Her career reflected not only her medical expertise but also her genuine desire to serve others with kindness and dignity.
On June 18, 1983, Julie married the love of her life, Mark Nelson, and together they shared 43 years of marriage built on faith, love, and mutual devotion. Following her retirement from nursing, she embraced her role as a full-time wife, mother, and grandmother, finding her greatest joy in spending time with her four daughters and growing family.
Julie was deeply involved in her church and community. She enjoyed participating in Bible study, book club, PEO, SWAK gatherings, Mahjong, Friday Afternoon Club, football tailgates, and traveling with family and friends. Her warm personality, generous spirit, and genuine interest in others allowed her to build lasting friendships wherever she went.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Mark Nelson of Lincoln; daughters Tori (Bryan) Sones of Lincoln, Ali (Kyle) Dostal of Omaha, Sami (Matt) Karloff of Lincoln, and Amanda (Keaton) Lewis of Lincoln; brothers Mark (Marlys) Freese and Neal (Linda) Freese; sister-in-law Sandy Freese; six beloved grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and cherished friends.
Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Alida Freese; her brother, Bruce Freese; and her beloved dog, Bella.
As news of her passing has spread, heartfelt tributes and messages of sympathy have poured in from family members, friends, former coworkers, patients, and members of the Lincoln community. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, compassionate heart, quiet strength, and the unconditional love she shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her.
A funeral service celebrating Julie’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, with Pastor Joel Vogel officiating. A family prayer service will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by burial at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home & Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and again one hour before the funeral service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church or LightShine Canine Rescue, organizations that held special meaning to Julie.
Though she is no longer physically present, Julia Kay Nelson’s legacy of faith, compassion, service, and unconditional love will continue to live on through her family, the lives she touched as a nurse, and the countless memories she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.
Disclaimer: This article is published for general informational purposes only. Information is based on publicly available sources and family announcements available at the time of publication. Funeral, memorial, and obituary details are subject to change and should be confirmed through the Nelson family or official funeral service announcements. Not all information available online may be complete or accurate.