Frances Josephine (Tuka) Nelson

Frances’ life began February 5, 1930, in Berwyn, Illinois.  She called Southwest Michigan her home for most of her life.  For many years she managed Tri-City Village apartments in Watervliet.  She enjoyed music be it listening or playing the piano.  Frances also liked to read, sew, support Notre Dame Athletics, and was an excellent cook.  She loved her church St. Joseph Catholic in Watervliet and was an active member in their Altar and Rosary Society and the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary for many years.

Frances’ greatest joy was her family which includes: three children Larry (Kathy) Nelson of Coloma, Gary (Denise) Nelson of Bainbridge Township, and Jackie (Barney) Hiler of Watervliet; eight grandchildren Nikki (Bob) VanSandt, Keith (Brandy) Hiler, Paul (Trina) Nelson, Kristina Nelson, Michele (Doug) Birmele, Mike Taggart, Heather (Bob) Morton, and Kevin (Hannah) Nelson; 13 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Frances died Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at Pine Ridge Nursing Home.  Her loving husband Robert Nelson, a son Robert Nelson, parents Joseph and Mary (Bartak) Tuka, and two sisters Lillian Hurley and Margaret Murphy precede Frances in death.

Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet has assisted Frances’ family with cremation and a Memorial Mass will be celebrated Thursday, January 24, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet.  Memorials may be made in Frances’ memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Caring Circle Hospice.  You are invited to leave a message of comfort for her family at hutchinsfuneral.com

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