Janice LaVon Nelson

Janice LaVon Nelson, 92, of Geneseo, passed away on September 14, 2022, at Hammond Henry Long-Term Care-Geneseo. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, September 19, 2022, at First Lutheran Church-Geneseo with Rev. Matt Kamprath officiating. She will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery. The funeral service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/FirstLutheranGeneseo.  Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at Vandemore Funeral Home and Crematory-Geneseo Chapel. Memorials can be made in her name to First Lutheran Church or ARC of the Quad Cities. Condolences can be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com

Janice was born on July 12, 1930, in Sterling, IL the daughter of Hilmer and Gladys (Olson) Smith. She married Willard Nelson on September 10, 1949, and he preceded her in death on February 16, 2004. She graduated from Geneseo High School Class of 1948. Janice in her younger years enjoyed traveling with Willard to cattle shows even on their honeymoon. Janice was very adventurous and loved their many travels especially to Costa Del Sol, Spain. She was very proud of her Swedish heritage including celebrating Midsommer (Swedish Festival) and eating lutefisk. She enjoyed entertaining at her lake house near Cambridge, listening to music and dancing. She was an active member of First Lutheran Church and Geneseo Walk and Talk. Janice loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.

Surviving are her children; Bill (Theresa) Nelson of Geneseo, Thomas (Joan) Nelshoppen of Urbana and Jane (Steve) Alexander of Geneseo, brother, Jim Smith of San Diego, CA and grandchildren; Joe Nelson, Scott Nelson, David Alexander, Edward Alexander, Brian Alexander, Dylan Nelshoppen, Olivia Nelshoppen and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Christine Nelson and sister, Sylvia Hanford.