Karen Dale (Daniels) Nelson

Karen Dale (Daniels) Nelson, 83, Willow Springs, passed away peacefully on Feb. 22, 2022.

She was born October 5, 1938, to Walter Lewis and Josephine Hope (Ralls) Daniels in Chicago, IL. She graduated from Culver-Stockton College in 1960, and married the love of her life, David Nelson, on August 19, 1960, in Mt. Prospect, IL. She began her teaching career in the Waynesville and St. James School districts before moving to Willow Springs in 1963. Known affectionately to many as “Mrs. Nelson,” Karen spent 35 years teaching first grade at Willow Springs Elementary. She was an amazing teacher who made a positive impact on many children with love, care, understanding, and discipline. Over the course of their 61 years of marriage, Karen and David enjoyed many worldwide travels, making trips to Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Trinidad, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Japan, China, Austria, Budapest, Russia, Canada, the Galapagos Islands, sailing all over the Caribbean, and traveling the entire United States, including 15 trips to Alaska. One of her favorite pastimes, however, was just sitting on her back porch watching the wildlife and birds in the yard. She also enjoyed reading, working jigsaw puzzles, and working with her flower gardens.

Preceded in death by her parents and grandson Brandon Talbert, Karen is survived by her husband, David, of the home in Willow Springs; three daughters and sons-in-law, Katrina Hughes and husband Sheiston, of Pompano Beach, FL, Kristin Wood and husband Kevin, of Rolla, MO, and Korin Gulshen and husband Jim, of Fort Myers Beach, FL; three grandchildren, Brittany Neely and husband Ian, of Fair Grove, MO, Kendra Wood, of Rolla, MO, and Kameron Wood, of Burlington, KS; five great-grandchildren, Isaac, Aliviah, Hudson, Rebel, and Ryatt, as well as extended family. Her family was her greatest joy!

A visitation for family and friends will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2022, with the funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. at Willow Funeral Home, LLC, Willow Springs, MO with Pastor Scott Williamson officiating. A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 3, with burial at Berry Cemetery in Galt, MO. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, L

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