Ethel Nelson, age 85 of Deerfield peacefully died on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at the Stoughton Hospital.

She was born on July 29, 1940 to Mathilda (Kalepp) and Edgar Sporleder. She graduated Palatine (IL) High School in 1959. Ethel married Fred Nelson on November 18, 1961. Together they raised three children: Richard (Roxane Schiller), Christine Schaefer and Holly Nelson.

Ethel was a cook for the Deerfield School District for 32 years. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Liberty Lutheran Church, involved in various groups such as Faith Circle.

Ethel was proceeded in death by her husband Fred, grandson Will Schaefer, her parents, and twin sister Esther.

Ethel is survived by her three children, Richard Nelson (Roxanne Schiller), Christine Schaefer and Holly Nelson, grandchildren Amber Welp (Jason Furman), Staci Nelson, Wesley Schaefer (Meagan Heine), Justin (Maranda) Schaefer, Melanie Schaefer (Ryan Kirschbaum), Jens Grieser (Emmie Hansen), Chase Grieser, Kaden Grieser (Jenna Mancini), Sophie (Kolby) Kapsner, great-grandchildren Grace and Ellisyn and her brother Leo Sporleder.

Funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s Liberty Lutheran Church, 3494 Oak Park Rd. in Deerfield on Friday, May 29, 2026. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and the service will begin at 11:00 with Pastor Holly Slater officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the St. Paul’s Restoration Fund.

The family invites friends and family to a luncheon at the church education center following her services.