She was born on May 10, 1939, in Oakland, NE to the late Harold and Helen Hansen. She was the older sister of Larry, who preceded her in death in 2022. She grew up on the farm, went to country school, enjoyed her 4-H Club and was involved in Salem Covenant Church. After high school she attended Wayne State College preparing to be a teacher. One summer she met the love of her life when she and Ron served as camp counselors at Covenant Cedars. They were married on June 26, 1959. She began her teaching journey at Washington Elementary School in Fremont, NE with a 3rd grade class. Over the next several years, God blessed their marriage, and they welcomed son Steve and daughter Patty. The family of four moved to Lincoln, NE in 1965 where Nona went back to school and graduated in 1978 from UNL with her 4-year teaching degree. She was quickly hired as a teacher in the Waverly School District, where she taught at Eagle Elementary for 20 years.
Her family and loved ones will remember Nona as devoted, loving, kind, generous and a good listener. Nona walked with integrity, guided by her faith in her Savior and Redeemer Jesus. She treasured her marriage to Ron and being Mom to Steve and Patty as well as her cherished role of Grandma. Through her faith in Jesus, she served her church, her school, and her community well. She found much joy mentoring student teachers and women of all ages.
Nona is survived by, as she would say, “the greatest family you could ever want”. Survivors include her husband Ronald Helsing, her children Steve Helsing (Karen) of Woodstock, GA, and Patty Eaton (Brad) of Lincoln, NE. She is also survived by seven grandchildren – Ryan, Connor, Daniel, Kyle and Lauren Helsing, and Matthew and Bethany Eaton.
Visitation will be on March 19th from 6-8 pm at Roper and Sons South Chapel at 3950 Hohensee. Funeral services will be held on March 20th at 10:30 am at First Free Church, 3280 S. 84th Street.
Memorials can be directed to First Free Church or People’s City Mission. Nona will be buried at Oakland, NE.