Althea R. Nelson, 90, of rural Columbia City, died at 9:55 p.m. Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.

Born on October 9, 1930, in Neillsville, Wisconsin, she was a daughter of the late Frederick and Gertrude (Lawrenz) Kluhsman. After graduating from high school, she moved to Milwaukee, where she met and married Garhardt E. Nelson on July 21, 1956. In 1971, the couple moved with their daughter to Beloit, WI. Garhardt died on March 11, 2001.

Althea was well-known as the "Owl Lady" due to her collection of all thing's owls. She had worked several occupations through the course of her life, the last at the GM assembly plant in Janesville, WI, for eleven years. She was a proud member of UAW local 95.

In 2002, she moved to rural Columbia City to be with her daughter, who had transferred from the GM Janesville assembly plant to the GM Fort Wayne assembly plant in 1986.

Throughout her life, she was an avid gardener and enjoyed boating, camping, fishing, and traveling with her husband. She had a very creative mind and was a multi-talented artist of many forms.

Surviving is a daughter, Gaye Lynn (James) Walton of Columbia City; a stepson, Gary (Doris) Nelson of Dukedom, TN; stepdaughter, Sandra Bearg of Thornton, CO.; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Frederick, Norbert, and Roland Kluhsman.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held in her home state of Wisconsin at a later date. Arrangements are by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.