Arlena A. Nichelson, age 85, of Gothenburg, Nebraska died on February 26, 2020 at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Society in Kearney, Nebraska.
She was born on November 4, 1934 in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of Rubin and Alvina (Miller) Keil.
She grew up in Russell, Kansas and graduated from Bunker High School. Arlena pursued life as a cook and at several factories. She married Francis Ivan Bridges in Russell, Kansas on November 21, 1955 and to this union six children were born: Barb, Jenny, Ivan, Pam, Todd, and Tina. Grandchildren came along to join the circle of love. Those that knew her best called her grandma.....to us she was strong willed, tender, tough and strong. She loved everyone just as they were. A favorite memory was to go downtown with grandma and she would always get you a treat. Grandma always made sure she told you how much she loved you after each visit or phone call.
Arlena was preceded in death by her mother and father; her husband Ron Nichelson; son Ivan Bridges; grandson Tony Earlich; brothers Eugene, Lester, Glenn and Jerry Keil; a sister Maryann Keil; and granddaughter Gretchen Joan Furrow.
Survivors include four daughters, Barbara Ehrlich of Gothenburg, Nebraska, Jennifer Bridges, Pam Gage, and Tina Bridges; her son, Todd Bridges; a brother, Gary Keil; 13 grandchildren, Timothy Bridges, Johnathan Bridges, David Bridges, Shelly Bridges, Gary Aller, Alicia Aller, Jeremy Aller, Matthew Aller, Tony Erlich, Shauna Erlich, Nichole Furrow, Misty (Shana) Roberts, Jessica Gage, Shana (Ansely) Bridges, and Ryan Bridges; numerous great grandchildren and other extended family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all.
Arlena was a member of the American Lutheran Church. Graveside services will be held at American Lutheran Cemetery on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. with Eric Most officiating.
Memorials may be given to the family to help with the funeral expenses in care of Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 Tenth Street, Gothenburg, Nebraska 69138.
To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.