Arlena Nichelson

Arlena A.  Nichelson, 85, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died February 26, 2020 at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Society in Kearney, NE.

She was born November 4, 1934 in Russell, KS, daughter of Rubin and Alvina (Miller) Keil.

She grew up in Russell KS and graduated from Bunker Hill High School.  Arlena pursued a life as a cook and at a several factories.  She married Francis Ivan Bridges in Russell, KS on Nov. 21, 1955 and to this union six children were born - Barb, Jenny, Ivan, Pam, Todd, and Tina.  Grandchildren came along to join the circle of love.  Those that knew her best called her grandma - to us, she was strong willed, tender, tough and strong.  She loved everyone just as they were; a favorite memory was to go downtown with grandma and she would always get us a treat.  Grandma always made sure she told you how much she loved you after each visits or phone call.

Arlena was preceded in death by her mother and father, husband Ron Nichelson, son Ivan Bridges, grandson Tony Earlich, brothers Eugene, Lester, Glenn, and Jerry Keil; sister Maryann Keil; great granddaughter Gretchen Joan Furrow.

Survivors include four daughters, Barbara Ehrlich of Gothenburg, NE, Jennifer Bridges, Pam Gage, Tina Bridges; son, Todd Bridges; brother, Gary Keil;  13 grandchildren Timothy Bridges, Johnathan Bridges, David Bridge, Shelly Bridges, Gary Aller, Alicia Aller, Jeremy Aller, Matthew Aller,Tony Erlich, Shauna Erlich, Nichole Furrow, Misty (Shana) Roberts, Jessica Gage, Shana (Ansely) Bridges, Ryan Bridges and numerous great grandchildren and extended family and friends.  She will be deeply missed by all.

Arlena was a member of the American Lutheran Church.  Graveside Services will be held at American Lutheran Cemetery, March 2, 2020 at 2:30 pm with Eric Most officiating.

Memorials may be given to the family to help with funeral expenses, C/O Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 10th St., Gothenburg, NE 69138