Judith Karrel Nihsen
October 24, 1935 — April 6, 2020
Judith Karrel Nihsen was born on October 24, 1935 in Persia, Iowa. She was one of two children born to Arnold “Crip” and Viola (Yochum) Laing. Judith attended and graduated from Persia Community School in 1954.
On March 4, 1955 Judith was united into marriage to Paul “Crip” Nihsen at the Epworth Methodist Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Together they raised three children: Nicki, Kelly and David. They were active members of the United Church of Christ in Minden, Iowa
Before her children were born she worked for Dr. Max Olsen in Minden and then adopted 3 children and stayed home to raise them. She was a bible school teacher, a part of Women’s Fellowship, a campfire leader, in the church choir, a cub scout leader, active in Friendly Links Club; and an avid collector of Betty Boop, Bisque Angels and wayward children. She loved to create silk flower arrangements for weddings and was a maker of all things crafty. Her home was always open to everyone.
On Monday, April 6, 2020, Judith went to be with those she loves in heaven having attained the age of eighty-four years, five months and thirteen days. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul; parents Crip and Viola; and brother James Laing.
Left to cherish her memory here on earth are her children Nicki James (Lorie) Nihsen of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Kelly Renee (Mark) Martin of Shelby, Iowa; David Paul (Kerri) Nihsen of Omaha, Nebraska; twelve grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren; sister in law Rosemary Laing of Arizona; nieces and nephews, other family and many friends.
On March 4, 1955 Judith was united into marriage to Paul “Crip” Nihsen at the Epworth Methodist Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Together they raised three children: Nicki, Kelly and David. They were active members of the United Church of Christ in Minden, Iowa
Before her children were born she worked for Dr. Max Olsen in Minden and then adopted 3 children and stayed home to raise them. She was a bible school teacher, a part of Women’s Fellowship, a campfire leader, in the church choir, a cub scout leader, active in Friendly Links Club; and an avid collector of Betty Boop, Bisque Angels and wayward children. She loved to create silk flower arrangements for weddings and was a maker of all things crafty. Her home was always open to everyone.
On Monday, April 6, 2020, Judith went to be with those she loves in heaven having attained the age of eighty-four years, five months and thirteen days. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul; parents Crip and Viola; and brother James Laing.
Left to cherish her memory here on earth are her children Nicki James (Lorie) Nihsen of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Kelly Renee (Mark) Martin of Shelby, Iowa; David Paul (Kerri) Nihsen of Omaha, Nebraska; twelve grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren; sister in law Rosemary Laing of Arizona; nieces and nephews, other family and many friends.
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