Nelson, Melba E.

Melba E. Nelson, age 89, of Waupaca, died on November 11, 2010, at Riverside Medical Center in Wau-paca. She was born in Crawford County, Wisconsin, on September 5, 1921, the daughter of the late Hans M. Waag and Florence (Ambroson) Waag. At the age of four she was afflicted with polio. She was educated at Central State Teacher’s College in Stevens Point, graduating in 1943. She taught high school mathematics and other subjects in various Wisconsin locations for 38 years. She earned a master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, and she studied for one year at the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis. Melba was accomplished as an organist and pianist and she will be remembered fondly by many of her former piano students. In 1970 she was united in marriage to Dr. Richard Nelson of the Institute of Paper Chemistry in Appleton. Dr. Nelson preceded her in death in 1979. Melba is survived by two sisters: Solveig Embertson of Sequim, Washington, and Marie (Neil) Eckstein of Larsen, Wisconsin. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Wendy (David) Merrill, Rolf (Claire) Embertson, David (Cynthia) Embertson, James (Kathy) Eckstein, Brian (Sharon) Eckstein, Jane (Brian) Murphy, and John (Miwa) Eckstein. She is also survived by numerous grand nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Richard and a brother-in-law, Richard Embertson. Melba will be remembered by many for her strong Christian faith and her zeal to share that faith with others. Funeral services will be on Monday, Nov. 22 at 11 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca with Reverend Jennifer DeNetz, officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Oshkosh. Visitation will be on Monday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Hitterdahl Lutheran Church of Iola, Trinity Lutheran Church of Waupaca, and Bethany Pines of Waupaca. Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.