Grace K. Nelson, 84, Gainesville, Fla.

Grace K. Nelson of Gainesville passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 28, 2022. She was 84.
Born in Kasson, to Paul and Cecil Kautz, Grace grew up on a dairy farm, spending her days beneath the shade of the lilac bushes.
Grace met the love of her life, Ole Nelson, in high school. They married in 1956 and raised four children together. A devoted Air Force officer’s wife, Grace lived in 22 different places across the globe, including at times alone with the children, before settling in Gainesville in 1981 where Ole took a position with the University of Florida.
Grace worked various administrative jobs as they moved about the U.S. and overseas, using the business degree she earned from the Minneapolis Business College. She loved to sew, crochet, knit, cross-stitch, and embroider. She hand-made her own wedding dress and veil, her daughters’ prom gowns, and her granddaughter’s E.T. costume. She showed love to her community through volunteer work, which included teaching adults how to read. She loved her church family and was an active member of the First United Methodist Maranatha Sunday school class.
Grace was welcomed into Heaven by her two sons, Scott and Steve Nelson, sister-in-law Mary Cole and brother-in-law Alb Nelson. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Ole Nelson; her daughters, Julie Pauley (Monty) and Amy Whitaker (Nathan) and daughter-in-law Bev Nelson; her brother Gary Kautz (Jessamine); her sister Shirley Mae (Roy); and her grandchildren Seth, Taylor, Paige, Hannah (John), and Ellie Kate.
A celebration of life will be held for Grace on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, in Gainesville. The family requests that memorial contributions please be made to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, 51 Main St, Enterprise, Fla 32725. Arrangements are under the care of Milam Funeral and Cremation Services, 311 S. Main St., Gainesville, Fla. 32601. 352-3769-5361 www.milamfh. com.