Wilma K. Nielsen, 81, of Taylorville died at 1:55 pm on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield.

Wilma was born on March 18, 1934, in Melvin, IL, the daughter of Leslie and Dorothy (Roth) Eminger. She graduated from Melvin-Sibley High School in 1951 and graduated from Illinois State Normal University in Normal, IL in 1955 with a degree in business education. She taught at Saybrook-Arrowsmith High School in Saybrook from 1955 – 1960. Wilma married Charles R. Nielsen on June 15, 1958 in Gibson City, IL. After the family moved to Taylorville in 1971, she did substitute teaching at Taylorville High School for several years and taught business education for teachers who were on leave of absence. Other past activities included: after school mentoring of elementary students at the Presbyterian church for 13 years; Welcome Wagon hostess in the early 1970’s welcoming newcomers to Taylorville; member of Twist & Twirl Square Dance Club; and a forty-plus year member of a dinner/bridge club with dear friends. As a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Taylorville, she organized a committee in 2004 to make Inspirational Booklets for individuals who were going through difficult times. Over 3,000 booklets have been distributed to Danville Veteran's Hospital, various nursing homes, Taylorville Memorial Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, and Basket of Hope, to name a few. Attending special events and activities of her children and grandchildren was always of utmost importance and enjoyment whether near or far.

Along with her loving husband, Wilma is survived by her sons: Mark Nielsen of Cedarburg, Wisconsin; Douglas Nielsen (wife Michelle) of Louisville, Kentucky; Bradley Nielsen (wife Donna) of Lisle, Illinois; beloved grandchildren: Christie & Matthew Nielsen of Cedarburg, Wisconsin; Tessa & Jack Nielsen of Louisville, Kentucky; and Abigail Nielsen of Lisle, Illinois. Also surviving are two sisters: Faye Atkins of Derry, New Hampshire, and Mona (husband Robert) Holforty of Salem, New Hampshire.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, March 12, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Taylorville with Pastor Rodney Blomquist officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior, also in the church. Burial is private and will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made in her honor to: Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 N. Webster, Taylorville, IL. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Memories of Wilma, or condolences to the family, may be sent online at: www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.