Barbara Nelson

Share a memory Livestream Print obituary

Barbara Jo (Oehlerking) Nelson, daughter of Myron and Marilyn (Miller) Oehlerking was born October 25, 1957, in LaMars, IA. She passed away July 26, 2025, at Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln, NE, at the age of 67.

The family moved to Adams NE (1958) and then to Lincoln NE (1963). At the age of 7, Barb was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. She defied the odds, worked through the pain and never gave up. She graduated from Lincoln East High School (1976) and attended Nebraska Wesleyan where she was a loyal member of Willard Sorority. She graduated from NWU (1980) with degrees in elementary education and music.

Barb was the cherished wife of Dennis. They were married May 31, 1980, and shared 45 wonderful years together. They had one daughter, Kristin Dawn, and lived in Lincoln their whole life. Barb was the beloved Grandma to Ellie, her mini Aussie grandpup, who was the highlight of Barb’s days as she battled cancer.

Following in her parent’s footsteps, she became a dedicated educator. For 40 years, Barb taught vocal music at both West Lincoln Elementary and Lux Middle Schools. She was incredibly innovative and creative in her approach to music education. Her passion for teaching was evident as she often referred to it as “the best job in Lincoln.” Even after retiring in 2020, Barb continued to follow the achievements of her former students. She loved going to watch them in high school music competitions, musicals, college recitals, and church music events. She found great pride in their successes and careers in music. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched and the loving memories she leaves behind.

Barb also gave private piano lessons, celebrating her 50th year in 2025. At the age of 17, she started giving lessons to children in the neighborhood. Through the years, Barb developed new and exciting methods for teaching students how to play the piano. Creativity wasn’t only reserved for music, Barb was an avid stamper and scrapbook creator. She created beautiful cards for every occasion and scrapbooks full of memories.

As a lifetime member of South Gate United Methodist Church, Barb shared her musical talent by playing organ and piano. She directed the adult and children’s handbell choirs along with the men’s, adult, youth, and children’s choirs over the years. She also participated in mission trips and a traveling musical group, “The Hopesingers,” in her younger years. Barb and Dennis enjoyed fellowship with close friends in the church Kerygma group.

Barb is survived by her husband Dennis, daughter Kristin (Chaz), sister Myrna (Dan) Bornemeier, father-in-law Weldon Nelson, three siblings in-law Cindy (Dave) Jorgensen, David Nelson, and Cathy (Marvin) Warm, nephews Clint (Monica) Bornemeier, Tanner Bornemeier, and Will (Miranda) Steinkruger, nieces Corita (Ryan) Wheeler, Elyse Steinkruger, Megan (Lincoln) Pearson, great nieces and nephews Warren, Hayes, Monroe, Nora, Grant, Tucker, and Josie. Barb was preceded in death by her infant son Ryan Daniel, parents, infant sister Annette Sue, and mother-in-law Martha Nelson.

Celebration of Life: Saturday, August 2, 2025; 11:00 AM, Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive.

Visitation will be Friday, August 1, 2025; 5:00-7:00 PM at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel.

Memorials in honor of Barb can be directed to the family for future designation.

LINK TO SERVICE VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/1106741662/4d757cc293?share=copy

Share a memory Livestream Print obituary

August1

Visitation

5:00 pm-7:00 pm CST

Roper & Sons South Chapel

3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill)
Lincoln, NE 68516

(402) 261-5907

August2

Celebration of Life

11:00 am CST

Roper & Sons South Chapel

3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill)
Lincoln, NE 68516

(402) 261-5907

Share a memory Livestream Print obituary

Share a Memory or Condolence

August 2, 2025

Barb was my child’s music teacher in middle school. She helped foster the love for singing and dancing and showchoir an activity which gave my child great joy. She was always at all the high school Showchoir shows even when it was right after her middle school performances. She also supported Hunter in his Eagle Scout project. She was a great woman and she will be missed. I will be praying for your family.

– Faye Oakes

August 2, 2025

My heart especially goes out to Denise, Myrna (and Dan) and Kristen. As you know, Barb has been in my life for a lifetime, as our families shared time together at church camps and other church activities. But the biggest impact Barb has had on my life has been the last few years as my piano teacher. I didn’t know just how masterful a teacher she was until I experienced it up close and personal. I am so grateful for the hours she spent patiently and purposefully teaching me how to get the music back in my life, through the piano. And she never disappointed when she snuck in that dry, unmistakable Oehlerking humor you had to pay attention to or miss! The kind of sense of humor that was definitely hers but would also remind me of fond memories of both her parents. She will be greatly missed but I know she lives on in the music she shared and taught to others. I am also grateful to be able to see the celebration of life service remotely and will be with you in spirit.

– Carol Countryman Nunnally

August 2, 2025

Barb was my beloved piano teacher. I was a student who could get away with playing by ear and passing my songs the next week without practice. She knew. I loved to compose songs at a very young age and she helped me write out my first composition, which to me at the time was genius! She and Dennis have always been so kind to me as well as my sister and my mother is a former fellow teacher and friend of Barb. She is so dear to my heart. I will always remember her smile. She’s playing music in the heavens now. I will always remember her and keep her close to my heart. What she taught me was invaluable.

– Lindsay Bustamante

July 31, 2025

I had the great privilege of working on the same team as Barb at West Lincoln. I was trying to navigate life post divorce, and Barb was always an ear when I need one. Her hugs were healing, and her smile was contagious. She was a wonderful woman to work with, the best kind of mentor, and a gift from God as a friend. Condolences to the very many who loved her and were touched by her life. We will miss you, Barb

– Jill Judt

July 30, 2025

Barb’s parents were teachers in Adams and my grandmother, Adeline Hoehne, was her babysitter when she was a young. Even before starting kindergarten Barb learned to knit sitting beside my grandmother. Through the years Barb & Dennis conintured to go to Adams and play cards with my mother Byrleta. She will always be remembered as a kind & caring person.

– Brenda Franklin

July 30, 2025

Mrs. Nelson was my music teacher in grade school. She taught me to love music and the gift that it is! I remember one time we were singing the Rainbow Connection and she stopped us because “someone” (me) happened to be singing like Kermit the Frog. She did not appreciate it, but she did tell me later I sounded just like him. She was a special lady and a wonderful teacher!

– Erica Smith (Lanning)

July 30, 2025

Barb taught me piano lessons when she lived behind us in the neighborhood. Then years later she taught both of my kids Piano lessons. She was such a talented lady. She will be missed.