Ethel (Fameree-Nelson) Heier

At the ripe young age of almost 98, Ethel (née Fameree) (Nelson) Heier died after a lifetime of community service, adventure, and good times. Born on July 31, 1923, to the late Ernest and Emma (Delaine) Fameree, she grew up in Casco, Wisconsin, graduating from Casco High School. She was a professional roller skate dancer and worked as an administrative assistant until her marriage to Merle O. Nelson (MO) from Leeman, WI, in 1945. She followed him to St. Louis, MO, where he graduated from Logan Chiropractic College.
They settled in Kewaunee, WI, where Ethel’s activities skyrocketed. In addition to helping MO with his chiropractic office, she:
· Joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars and auxiliary in 1953 and held many offices, president, treasurer, installing officer, and many others.
· Joined the American Legion in 1955 and remained active for 58 years including 3 years as secretary/treasurer.
· Served as president of WI Chiropractic Association Auxiliary.
· Volunteered in youth programs: Cub Scouts, Sea Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts, 4H as well as other community activities.
· Sponsored tours to numerous destinations in the U.S. and abroad.
· Enjoyed memberships in historical societies in Kewaunee County and Two Rivers.
After “MO” passed in 1968, she married Gene Heier in 1973, working and traveling with his band as it played throughout Wisconsin and beyond, including Europe.
Ethel was preceded in death by two husbands, “MO” and Gene, and 12 siblings. She is survived by two siblings, Elsie Gengler of Richfield, WI and Ernie (Mary Ellen) of Bellevue, WI; 3 children: Sandy Lardinois (Sam) in Lakewood, CO, Barry Nelson (Barb), and Robin Nelson (Chuck) in Kewaunee, WI.
Ethel was also blessed to be loved by stepchildren, step/grandchildren and step/great grandchildren.
Ethel’s family is grateful to the crew at Paradise Estates in Kewaunee and the team from Unity Hospice for the excellent loving care she received.
Contributions may be made to Paradise Estates where the staff provided loving support during her stay there; PKD (Polycystic Kidney Foundation), the disease that afflicted many of her siblings; Cystic Fibrosis, which assails her granddaughter; and Alzheimer’s, which afflicted her second husband.
Visitation 8:30 to 10:45 am Tuesday, July 27 at Buchanan Funeral Home, Kewaunee. VFW Auxiliary 10:45,   Funeral Service 11:00 am. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery.